Species description

Care, breeding and tankmates

Fish profile

Temperament

Semi-aggressive

They are generally peaceful and shy, preferring to retreat into hiding when startled or during the day. However, males can be fiercely territorial towards conspecifics or similar-looking plecos when defending a chosen cave. Providing a surplus of suitable hiding places is the most effective way to manage and eliminate this aggression.

Diet

Omnivore

As a primarily carnivorous pleco, their diet must be based on high-quality, protein-rich sinking foods. They eagerly accept frozen bloodworms, mysis shrimp, chopped seafood, and specialized carnivore pellets. They will generally completely ignore algae wafers or blanched vegetables, so these should not be their primary food.

Sex ratio

Group

Adult males are easily distinguished by their significantly longer interopercular odontodes and thickened pectoral fin spines. Males also develop a broader, more robust head shape, whereas females remain smaller with a plumper abdominal region. Keeping a group consisting of more females than males will generally lead to more successful breeding behavior.

Feeding frequency

Twice daily

Feeding should be done daily, with the optimal time being just before the aquarium lights go out. They are nocturnal by nature and will actively search the substrate for food under the cover of darkness. Careful monitoring is necessary to ensure fast-swimming tank mates do not steal all the sinking food.

Bioload

This beautiful species produces a moderate bioload that requires standard, efficient aquarium filtration. Their meaty diet results in waste that can slightly elevate nitrate levels if tank maintenance is neglected. Regular partial water changes and good biological filtration will easily keep the water quality pristine.

Flow

Stagnant

They originate from the fast-flowing lower Xingu River, requiring strong water movement and excellent oxygenation. The use of powerheads and robust surface agitation is strongly recommended to simulate their natural riverbed environment. High temperatures (80-86°F) coupled with high oxygen are key to their successful husbandry.

Reproduction

Oviparous

They are cave spawners, and captive breeding is highly achievable with the right diet and water conditions. The male claims a tightly fitting cave, traps the female inside to spawn, and then assumes sole parenting duties. He will diligently fan the egg cluster and protect the wrigglers until they are ready to emerge.

Compatibility & tankmates

They are highly peaceful towards other species and make fantastic additions to Amazonian community aquariums. They mix perfectly with peaceful schooling fish like tetras, pencilfish, and appropriately sized cichlids. Some territorial squabbles may occur with other bottom-dwelling plecos, so providing ample space is recommended.

Tank level

Bottom

They are strictly bottom-level residents that require a complex hardscape of rocks, driftwood, and specifically sized caves. They will spend most of the daytime hidden securely within their chosen crevices, venturing out mostly at night. The tank should be structured to provide multiple lines of sight breaks to reduce territorial stress.