White-striped Pleco L090

The White-striped Pleco (L090) is a visually arresting loricariid from the Rio Tocantins basin, featuring bright white horizontal stripes that run along the length of its jet-black body and extend into the fins. The crisp, high-contrast patterning makes L090 one of the most immediately recognisable L-numbers in the hobby and a popular choice for showpiece aquariums.

L090 thrives in warm, well-oxygenated water with moderate to strong current. It is an omnivore that benefits from a varied diet including algae wafers, blanched vegetables, driftwood, sinking pellets, and occasional protein supplements. Vivid stripe colouration is maintained by excellent water quality and regular large water changes. Driftwood is important both as shelter and as a supplemental nutrient source.

The White-striped Pleco is moderately peaceful but can display territorial behaviour around caves. Best kept as a solitary specimen unless the aquarium is very large. Compatible with medium to large tetras, South American cichlids, and other Tocantins biotope species. Avoid housing with very aggressive cichlids that may harass this pleco at feeding time.

Water: pH 6.0–7.2, temperature 25–29°C, GH 2–12, KH 1–6; clean warm water with moderate-strong flow. Tank: 150 L minimum; driftwood essential, rock caves, moderate to strong current. Feeding: Omnivore; algae wafers, blanched veg, sinking pellets, driftwood, occasional frozen protein. Breeding: Cave spawner; conditioning and water changes may trigger spawning behaviour. Compatibility: Moderately peaceful; best as sole large pleco; compatible with medium community fish.