Species description

Care, breeding and tankmates

Fish profile

Temperament

Semi-aggressive

They have a very peaceful, shy, and reclusive temperament, making them somewhat difficult to observe during peak daylight hours. Males can exhibit mild territoriality towards one another when competing for the most desirable spawning caves. Providing multiple caves per individual will almost completely eliminate any territorial aggression.

Diet

Omnivore

They are decidedly carnivorous and require a diet rich in meaty proteins to thrive and show their best colors. Offer sinking carnivore pellets, frozen bloodworms, brine shrimp, and the occasional piece of chopped raw shrimp. They are not effective algae eaters, so vegetable matter should only make up a very small, infrequent portion of their diet.

Sex ratio

Group

Determining sex is easiest in mature adults; males develop much longer and thicker odontodes on their pectoral fins and cheeks. Males also display a broader, more robust head shape, while females appear noticeably rounder in the abdominal area. Keeping a ratio of one male to two or three females is generally the best approach for a breeding group.

Feeding frequency

Twice daily

They should be fed once daily, and being nocturnal, it is best to feed them just before or after the aquarium lights are turned off. They are slow, methodical eaters that may be outcompeted by fast, greedy tank mates during the day. Target feeding them near their favorite hiding spots ensures they receive adequate nutrition.

Bioload

This stunningly patterned pleco produces a moderate bioload that is easily handled by standard, high-quality filtration. Because their diet consists largely of protein-rich foods, water quality can degrade if uneaten food is left to rot. Regular weekly partial water changes of at least 25% are recommended to keep the environment optimal.

Flow

Stagnant

Originating from the fast-flowing Rio Tapajos, they strongly prefer moderate to high water flow environments. Powerful filtration and additional powerheads should be utilized to ensure the water is highly oxygenated and constantly moving. Excellent water quality and high oxygen saturation are the keys to keeping this species healthy.

Reproduction

Oviparous

They are known as secretive cave spawners, and successful breeding requires patience and excellent water conditions. The male will select a suitably sized cave, court a gravid female, and then forcefully guard the resulting eggs. The male takes full responsibility for fanning the eggs and protecting the fry until they absorb their yolk sacs.

Compatibility & tankmates

They are highly peaceful fish that make fantastic additions to Amazonian biotope community aquariums. They mix wonderfully with small tetras, rasboras, and other mid-to-top dwelling species that do not compete for bottom space. Care should be taken not to house them with overly aggressive or very large bottom feeders.

Tank level

Bottom

They are strict bottom dwellers that require an aquarium floor heavily decorated with rockwork, slate caves, and driftwood. They spend the vast majority of the day securely wedged into tight crevices, emerging mostly at night to forage. An open tank with no hiding places will cause them extreme stress and lead to deteriorating health.