Species description

Care, breeding and tankmates

Fish profile

Temperament

Semi-aggressive

This is a remarkably peaceful and shy fish that prefers to stay out of the way of other tank mates. They are only territorial with other plecos of similar size and shape when defending a chosen cave. Providing plenty of visual barriers and hiding spots ensures they remain stress-free.

Diet

Herbivore

They are specialized xylivores and herbivores, requiring natural driftwood as an essential part of their diet. They graze constantly on biofilm, algae, and the wood itself to aid their digestion. Their diet should be supplemented daily with fresh vegetables like zucchini and high-quality spirulina wafers.

Sex ratio

Flexible

Mature males develop distinct tentacles on their snouts, making sexing relatively straightforward. Keeping a single male with one or more females is the most peaceful arrangement. Multiple males can be kept only if the aquarium is large enough to provide separate, well-spaced caves for each.

Feeding frequency

Twice daily

Because they are continuous grazers, a constant supply of driftwood and biofilm must be available at all times. Supplemental foods like algae wafers should be offered every evening right before the aquarium lights are turned off. Removing uneaten vegetables after 24 hours is necessary to prevent water quality degradation.

Bioload

This medium-sized pleco generates a significant bioload due to its heavily wood-based and vegetative diet. Constant grazing results in a continuous output of stringy waste that can quickly accumulate. Strong mechanical filtration and diligent gravel vacuuming are required to keep the substrate clean.

Flow

Stagnant

They originate from highly oxygenated, fast-flowing streams and rivers in South America. They require a moderate to strong water current to thrive and display their best health. A dedicated powerhead or a strong canister filter return will simulate their natural environment beautifully.

Reproduction

Oviparous

They are typical cave spawners, requiring tight-fitting ceramic tubes or hollow driftwood to breed successfully. The male will entice a female into the cave, where she will lay a cluster of adhesive eggs. The male then evicts the female and meticulously guards and fans the eggs until they hatch.

Compatibility & tankmates

They are highly peaceful toward other species and make excellent additions to a South American community tank. They will ignore mid-water swimming fish like tetras and peaceful cichlids. However, they may squabble with other bottom-dwellers over prime hiding caves or grazing territories.

Tank level

Bottom

They are exclusively bottom-dwellers that spend their entire lives attached to rocks, glass, or driftwood. They strongly prefer to remain hidden during the day under broad leaves or inside dark crevices. They only become truly active and venture out into the open when the tank is completely dark.