Xanthic Mustard Spot Pleco L107

The Xanthic Mustard Spot Pleco (L107) is an extraordinarily rare colour variant of the Mustard Spot Pleco group from the Rio Tocantins, in which the normal dark brown background colour is replaced by a vivid golden-yellow xanthic expression. The mustard spots themselves merge into a softened, blended yellow-on-yellow pattern that is subtle yet unmistakably beautiful under aquarium lighting.

Care requirements are identical to those of normally pigmented Mustard Spot Plecos. L107 is an omnivore requiring warm, clean water with moderate to strong flow and regular large water changes. Offer algae wafers, blanched vegetables, sinking pellets, driftwood, and supplemental protein foods. Maintaining the xanthic colouration demands consistently high water quality — any compromise results in rapidly dullening gold tones.

Xanthic specimens are among the most valuable individual plecos in the hobby, frequently commanding four-figure prices from dedicated collectors. They are best displayed as solitary focal point specimens in a well-appointed Tocantins biotope aquarium. House with active, robust mid-water species that complement without competing with this extraordinary living jewel.

Water: pH 6.0–7.2, temperature 25–29°C, GH 2–12, KH 1–6; pristine conditions essential to preserve colour. Tank: 180 L minimum; driftwood, rock caves, moderate to strong flow, excellent filtration. Feeding: Omnivore; algae wafers, blanched veg, sinking pellets, driftwood, occasional frozen protein. Breeding: Cave spawner; xanthic trait potentially heritable; very rarely achieved. Compatibility: Semi-aggressive with conspecifics; best displayed as sole large pleco.