Blue-eye Lemon Drop Pleco L239

Hemiancistrus sp. L239, the Blue-eye Lemon Drop Pleco, is one of the most distinctive and memorable small plecos in the aquarium hobby. Its vivid lemon-yellow to golden-yellow body is covered with a scattering of fine dark spots, and it possesses the most immediately eye-catching feature of all: brilliant electric-blue eyes that are visible from across the room. It originates from the warm, rocky, fast-flowing sections of the upper Rio Orinoco in Venezuela.

At only 8 cm the Blue-eye Lemon Drop is one of the smaller Hemiancistrus species, making it suitable for aquariums of 80 L or more. It requires warm water (26–30°C), moderate to strong flow, and caves for shelter. Its omnivorous diet should include both algae-based and protein-rich sinking foods. The vivid yellow colouration is diet-responsive and intensifies with a varied, high-quality diet including carotenoid-rich foods.

The Blue-eye Lemon Drop is a prized breeding species for advanced loricariid hobbyists. Males are territorial near caves but peaceful overall. Its unique combination of colouration and striking blue eyes make it one of the most photographed small plecos in the hobby.

Water: 26–30°C, pH 5.5–7.0, soft to moderately hard; moderate to strong flow with good oxygenation. Tank: Minimum 80 L; caves (one per male), smooth rocks, driftwood. Feeding: Omnivore; algae wafers, Repashy, bloodworms, brine shrimp; carotenoid-rich foods enhance yellow colouration. Breeding: Cave spawner; male guards eggs; rewarding but requires stable conditions and patient acclimatisation. Compatibility: Peaceful with community fish; males territorial toward each other near cave sites.