Colombia Spotted Pleco L129

Pseudacanthicus sp. L129, the Colombia Spotted Pleco, is a large and heavily armoured loricariid from the Colombian reaches of the Orinoco drainage. Its dark charcoal to grey-brown body is marked with bold, evenly spaced white to cream spots, and its flanks bear the characteristic sharp odontode spines of the Pseudacanthicus genus. It is a distinctly predatory species requiring a primarily carnivorous diet.

At up to 28 cm, this species demands a tank of at least 250 L with very powerful filtration. Large caves provide essential shelter and territory. It should be kept as the dominant pleco in the aquarium and housed only with large, robust tankmates that can tolerate its territorial nature. Small or delicate fish are not suitable companions.

The Colombia Spotted Pleco is rarely bred in captivity. Its aggressive and territorial nature makes multiple-individual setups challenging unless the aquarium is extremely large. Water quality must be impeccable — Pseudacanthicus species are sensitive to declining water quality and respond with stress coloration and increased aggression.

Water: 25–29°C, pH 6.0–7.5, moderately soft; very strong flow and high-capacity filtration essential. Tank: Minimum 250 L; large rocky caves, smooth boulders, driftwood; robust-only tankmates. Feeding: Carnivore; prawns, mussels, bloodworms, mussel flesh, high-protein sinking pellets. Breeding: Cave spawner; rarely achieved in captivity; requires very large mature aquarium and stable conditions. Compatibility: Aggressive toward other plecos especially Pseudacanthicus; peaceful with large dissimilar robust fish.