Shortlined Pleco (L202)
Peckoltia lineola
The L202 is a robust, patterned pleco adorned with a dense network of fine lines. Easy to care for, it benefits from sifted sand, driftwood, and a varied diet in stable tanks.
Water Temperature
25 - 29 °C
pH Value
6 - 7.4
Water type
Freshwater
Tank level
Bottom
Adult size
12 cm
Minimum tank volume
>= 150 L
Minimum group
>= 1
GH
2 - 12 dGH
KH
2 - 10 dKH
TDS
50 - 280 ppm
Conductivity
78 - 438 uS/cm
Species description
Geographical Origin and Habitat: Discovered and limited to the basin of the Inírida, Guaviare and Ventuari rivers (Orinoco, Colombia/Venezuela). Inhabits sandy or silty inlets rich in rocks and intricate roots sunk along the river banks, often in acidic waters.
Taxonomy and Morphology: L202 (Peckoltia lineola). Previously known only by its L-number, it was described in 2015. Stocky body of an armored dwarf pleco. The snout gently slopes down to the wide sucker mouth bristling with tiny teeth.
Social Behavior: Not inclined to free swimming, prefers to move in spurts along the logs or stay in its cave. Less quarrelsome than other species if an abundance of crevices is provided. Comes out shyly at night to feed.
Coloration and Sexual Dimorphism: Extraordinary "zebra" livery: dull yellowish background topped by numerous and dense irregular striations or blackish "lineolas", more intricate on the head and merging into distinct bands on the peduncle. Males covered in "fuzz" (odontodes) on the rear.
Care, breeding and tankmates
Aquarium Setup: An 80-100 cm (32-40 inches) tank with sifted sand bottom. In addition to the necessary supply of branches and bark, insert many coconut hideouts or terracotta cylinders. Muscular filtration, preferably with a spraybar to move the bottom.
Diet and Feeding: Omnivore with a propensity for animal foods, although it needs cellulose for digestion (wood). Add mixed sinking wafers (meat/vegetable) to the tank, and fresh vegetables such as cucumbers. Never force it into an exclusively algae diet.
Water Quality: Very hardy once acclimated, but intolerant to sudden shifts. Ensure a constant temperature and the absolute absence of pollutants. Slightly acidic water, rich in O2 and colored by tannins will keep it immune from stress.
Compatibility and Cohabitation: Ideal with "dither fish" such as schools of large tetras (Moenkhausia or Hemigrammus) that reassure it about the safety of the environment, enticing it to explore even during the day. Also excellent with Corydoras.
Aquarium Breeding: Classic cave-breeders. The male courts the female by "trapping" her in the chosen cavity. Hatching occurs in about 6 days; it is essential to administer powders and paste food as soon as they resorb the yolk sac.
Risks and Diseases: Rarely gets sick if kept in the correct parameters, but if left to languish without food it will descend into severe starvation (irrecoverable sunken belly). Sensitive to copper-based medicines (which are fatal).
Geographic Origin and Distribution
Discovered and limited to the basin of the Inírida, Guaviare and Ventuari rivers (Orinoco, Colombia/Venezuela). Inhabits sandy or silty inlets rich in rocks and intricate roots sunk along the river banks, often in acidic waters.
Origin
Amazon, Orinoco, and Guianas
Fish profile
- Temperament
- Semi-aggressive
- The temperament of Peckoltia lineola is largely peaceful, especially towards tank mates. While they mind their own business mostly, they may become defensive during specific periods. Providing visual barriers and adequate space mitigates most behavioral issues.
- Diet
- Omnivore
- Peckoltia lineola is primarily omnivorous and enjoys a diverse diet. In captivity, they eagerly accept high-quality prepared foods, and appropriate frozen or live foods. Providing a varied menu ensures they receive all necessary nutrients for vibrant colors and health.
- Life expectancy
- 8-12 years
- This armored catfish can live between 8 and 12 years in captivity when kept under optimal conditions. The stability of water parameters and a balanced diet are crucial factors that determine its longevity. Regular filter maintenance and consistent water changes significantly reduce the stress levels and health risks for this species.
- Adult size
- 12 cm
- The catalog's scalar value is 12 cm. The FishBase SPECIES table (v25.04 snapshot) source reports a maximum adult measurement of 9.69 cm for this species, recorded as standard length (SL). The taxonomic record consulted is Peckoltia lineola (v25.04); male or unsexed record. These figures are not interchangeable: the first is the profile's editorial reference, whereas the second is a published maximum under a specific measurement convention; differences among sources can reflect sex, population, life stage and measuring method.
- Sex ratio
- Group
- Maintaining a proper sex ratio of mixed group is advisable for this species. Males tend to be visually distinct from females in certain aspects, making sexing possible in mature specimens. In breeding setups, close monitoring is essential to prevent excessive harassment.
- Feeding frequency
- Twice daily
- It is recommended to feed Peckoltia lineola moderate portions once a day. Only offer an amount they can completely consume within a few minutes to prevent water fouling. Occasional fasting days can also be beneficial for their digestive system.
- Bioload
- The bioload produced by Peckoltia lineola is moderate due to their medium size and metabolic rate. They require robust filtration to keep water parameters stable and pristine. Regular water changes are highly recommended to ensure their optimal health.
- Flow
- Stagnant
- This fish prefers moderate water currents that mimic its natural habitat. Proper water flow is crucial for maintaining adequate oxygenation levels. Position filter outlets or powerheads carefully to provide both flowing and calmer resting areas.
- Reproduction
- Oviparous
- Breeding Peckoltia lineola in captivity is challenging and requires specific water parameters. They are cave spawners and often exhibit fascinating courtship behaviors. Providing ample suitable structures will significantly increase the survival rate of the fry.
- Compatibility & tankmates
- This species is generally peaceful and makes a specific addition to a home aquarium. They can be housed with other compatible species that occupy different water levels. Caution should be taken when selecting tank mates to avoid any conflicts.
- Tank level
- Bottom
- These fish predominantly occupy the bottom levels of the aquarium. They enjoy exploring their surroundings and often interact with the tank decor. Ensuring sufficient space in their preferred zone is absolutely important for their well-being.
Scientific Parameters & Models
FishBase
Window to the official scientific data of the species
Data synced on: 06/15/2026
- Phylogenetic uniqueness (PD50)
- 0.5
- Bayesian Length-Weight
- a = 0.01549, b = 2.96
- VulnerabilityLow vulnerability (10 / 100)
Image gallery
Licensed images linked to the species or, when marked, to the closest representative taxon.
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