Gold-spotted Pleco L017

The Gold-spotted Pleco (L017) is a large, hardy loricariid from the lower Tocantins basin of Brazil. Its dark brown to black body is adorned with numerous golden-yellow spots that vary in density and intensity between individuals. This species is one of the more robust and beginner-friendly L-numbers despite its impressive adult size.

L017 is a dedicated herbivore that grazes tirelessly on algae and biofilm. Provide abundant driftwood for continuous grazing and supplement with blanched vegetables, spirulina wafers, and high-quality algae-based sinking pellets. This species can strip algae from a tank very efficiently, making it a functional as well as ornamental addition.

Due to its eventual large size, L017 requires a spacious aquarium of at least 200 litres with powerful filtration. It is generally peaceful and compatible with large, robust community fish including cichlids, larger tetras, and other South American species. Territorial disputes with other large plecos can occur, so provide ample cave structures.

Water: pH 6.0–7.5, temperature 24–28°C, GH 2–15, KH 1–8; tolerant but prefers clean water. Tank: 200 L minimum; large driftwood pieces and smooth rock caves essential. Feeding: Herbivore; spirulina wafers, algae pellets, blanched courgette, cucumber, lettuce. Breeding: Cave spawner; large tank with excellent conditioning required; rarely bred in captivity. Compatibility: Peaceful; good with larger tetras, cichlids, and other robust South American species.