Species description

Care, breeding and tankmates

Fish profile

Temperament

Semi-aggressive

They are generally peaceful, shy, and highly reclusive during the day, preferring to avoid conflict. Males, however, can become intensely territorial when defending their chosen spawning cave against conspecifics. Providing an excess of suitable caves easily mitigates aggression and allows multiple males to coexist peacefully.

Diet

Omnivore

They are decidedly carnivorous, showing almost no interest in scraping algae or consuming plant matter. To thrive, they must be fed a varied diet of high-quality sinking carnivore pellets, frozen bloodworms, and chopped prawns. A strict vegetarian diet will ultimately lead to severe malnutrition and death in this species.

Sex ratio

Group

Sexual dimorphism becomes obvious in adulthood; males develop significantly longer and denser odontodes on their pectoral fins and cheeks. Males generally have a broader, squarer head, while females appear plumper and more rounded, particularly when carrying eggs. A ratio favoring more females to males is recommended for establishing a harmonious breeding group.

Feeding frequency

Twice daily

Feeding should be conducted once a day, with the best results achieved by feeding after the aquarium lights go out. They are distinctly nocturnal and feel most secure searching for food under the cover of darkness. Sinking the food directly near their preferred caves ensures they get a meal before faster fish steal it.

Bioload

This stunning pleco produces a moderate bioload that is quite typical for a heavily built, medium-sized Loricariid. Their protein-rich diet means their waste can quickly elevate nitrate levels if tank maintenance is consistently ignored. A strong, mature biological filter paired with rigorous weekly water changes will ensure a healthy environment.

Flow

Stagnant

Originating from the lower Xingu River, they require an environment with strong water flow and high oxygen saturation. High water temperatures (82-86°F) are necessary, which inherently hold less oxygen, making vigorous surface agitation mandatory. Powerheads are highly recommended to simulate the rapid currents of their natural habitat.

Reproduction

Oviparous

They are classic cave spawners and will breed relatively easily in captivity given the correct conditions. The male will choose a tight-fitting cave, entice the female inside, and vigorously guard the fertilized eggs. He will remain in the cave, fiercely protecting and fanning the eggs until the fry are fully mobile.

Compatibility & tankmates

They are excellent and highly peaceful residents for warmer Amazonian community aquariums. They will comfortably coexist with a wide variety of mid-to-upper water fish, such as tetras, discus, and angelfish. While mostly peaceful, males will squabble with other bottom dwellers if adequate hiding spaces are not provided.

Tank level

Bottom

They are dedicated bottom dwellers that require a complex hardscape environment to feel secure. The aquarium must be furnished with abundant caves, stacked rocks, and tangled driftwood where they can hide. They will spend the vast majority of the daylight hours concealed within these structures.