All assigned numbers: L147
Name:
Location: South America: Rio Orinoco Basin, Venezuela.
Photos:
Appearance:
Compatibility: Can be quite pushy and territorial, as most pleco's can be, especially when kept in too small a tank. But if enough room and a few good hiding places are provided, it will mind it's own business, thereby reducing the chances of aggressive behaviour towards other bottom-dwelling fish significantly.
Sexing and Breeding:
Diet: Bog wood is a necessity in any Loricarid (Pleco's, Panaques, Whiptail Catfish, Bristlenose Catfish etc.) tank, since they feed themselves on the organic layer that forms on submerged wood - the so-called "Aufwuchs". Because of this, wood is essential to keep this species healthy, and therefore strongly recommended. Besides that, the L147 will also readily accept vegetable matter, as well as prawns and shrimp, sinking pellets, and frozen or live foods like bloodworms, mosquito larvae etc.
Water parameters: Temp 22-30c PH 5.5-7.5
This medium-sized Loricarid prefers a dimly lit tank with a good number of hiding places, either created with plants, drift wood, rocks or artificial (pleco spawning) caves. To keep more than one adult specimen in the same tank, or together with other bottom dwelling fish, you need at least a 40x18" (100x45cm.) tank: this fish can be quite territorial, and when suitable hiding places are lacking, it can be aggressive towards other bottom dwellers. When kept as only catfish in an aquarium, a tank size of 32x16" (80x40cm.) is sufficient.
Although it can adapt to different conditions, Peckoltia sp. L147 does best in soft, slightly acidic water (pH 6.0-6.5), heavy oxygenation and a lot of underwater currents. A powerful filter system is recommended, as this fish produces a lot of waste.
Max Size: At least 8" (20cm.), possibly more...
Bred by:
Additional Comments:
Often sold as Clown Pleco ( Panaque Maccus L162), which is found in the same area in the wild. Given the fact these two species look pretty much alike, especially to the untrained eye, this species often gets to Europe as shipment 'pollutant'. If the unsuspecting buyer has a large enough tank, this case of mistaken identity shouldn't cause many problems, but if the buyer buys a small pleco for his small tank (for which the Clown Pleco is an ideal choice), he could end up with a rather ill-tempered and fast-growing pleco, that grows at least twice the size of the real Clown Pleco.
Profile information used with permission from www.piranha-Info.com
Name:
Location: South America: Rio Orinoco Basin, Venezuela.
Photos:
Appearance:
Compatibility: Can be quite pushy and territorial, as most pleco's can be, especially when kept in too small a tank. But if enough room and a few good hiding places are provided, it will mind it's own business, thereby reducing the chances of aggressive behaviour towards other bottom-dwelling fish significantly.
Sexing and Breeding:
Diet: Bog wood is a necessity in any Loricarid (Pleco's, Panaques, Whiptail Catfish, Bristlenose Catfish etc.) tank, since they feed themselves on the organic layer that forms on submerged wood - the so-called "Aufwuchs". Because of this, wood is essential to keep this species healthy, and therefore strongly recommended. Besides that, the L147 will also readily accept vegetable matter, as well as prawns and shrimp, sinking pellets, and frozen or live foods like bloodworms, mosquito larvae etc.
Water parameters: Temp 22-30c PH 5.5-7.5
This medium-sized Loricarid prefers a dimly lit tank with a good number of hiding places, either created with plants, drift wood, rocks or artificial (pleco spawning) caves. To keep more than one adult specimen in the same tank, or together with other bottom dwelling fish, you need at least a 40x18" (100x45cm.) tank: this fish can be quite territorial, and when suitable hiding places are lacking, it can be aggressive towards other bottom dwellers. When kept as only catfish in an aquarium, a tank size of 32x16" (80x40cm.) is sufficient.
Although it can adapt to different conditions, Peckoltia sp. L147 does best in soft, slightly acidic water (pH 6.0-6.5), heavy oxygenation and a lot of underwater currents. A powerful filter system is recommended, as this fish produces a lot of waste.
Max Size: At least 8" (20cm.), possibly more...
Bred by:
Additional Comments:
Often sold as Clown Pleco ( Panaque Maccus L162), which is found in the same area in the wild. Given the fact these two species look pretty much alike, especially to the untrained eye, this species often gets to Europe as shipment 'pollutant'. If the unsuspecting buyer has a large enough tank, this case of mistaken identity shouldn't cause many problems, but if the buyer buys a small pleco for his small tank (for which the Clown Pleco is an ideal choice), he could end up with a rather ill-tempered and fast-growing pleco, that grows at least twice the size of the real Clown Pleco.
Profile information used with permission from www.piranha-Info.com