L015 Candy-striped Pleco (Peckoltia vittata)

Peckoltia vittata (L015), the Candy-striped Pleco, is an attractive mid-sized pleco from the Rio Tapajós and Amazonas in Brazil, patterned with alternating cream-yellow and dark brown bands across the body and fins that fade somewhat with age. It is omnivorous, accepting a broad range of sinking foods including algae wafers, blanched vegetables, and occasional protein foods. A moderately territorial but generally peaceful pleco that benefits from clearly defined hiding places to reduce intraspecific aggression in community setups.

House in a medium aquarium (minimum 150 L) with driftwood, smooth caves, and rockwork. Maintain soft to moderately hard water (pH 6.0–7.5, GH 2–12) at 25–30°C with moderate flow and good oxygenation. Feed varied omnivore diet: algae wafers, blanched courgette and sweet potato, sinking pellets, and occasional frozen shrimp or bloodworm. Provide one cave per pleco to prevent territorial aggression. Peaceful with most non-pleco fish.