Shortlined Pleco (L202)

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.

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).