All fish / Loricariidae

Spotted Peckoltia

Peckoltia brevis

Also known as l205, l040, spotted pleco, spotted peckoltia pleco, short clown pleco, peckoltia brevis pleco, peckoltia l205, ペckoルティア・ブレビス, 斑点豹纹异型

A small, stocky suckermouth catfish with a pale tan to yellowish body covered in dark spots and blotches. It stays small enough for community tanks and is valued as a hardy, attractive pleco that does not outgrow its home.

Care at a glance

Care level

Moderate

Temperament

Peaceful

Adult size

10 cm

Temperature

25 to 30 °C

pH

6 to 7.5

Smallest tank

80 litres

Keep as

Single or a small group, with one cave per fish

Diet

Omnivore: sinking pellets and wafers, frozen bloodworm and brine shrimp, some vegetables and bogwood

Swims

Bottom of the tank

Lifespan

8 to 12 years

Water

Freshwater

Wild range

Brazil: Amazon basin (Tapajós, Xingu, Madeira and Purus drainages)

Breeding

It is a cave spawner, with the male guarding the eggs inside a narrow cave until the fry hatch and become free swimming. It has been bred in aquariums but this happens only now and then, and soft, warm, well oxygenated water helps.

Good to know

Males can squabble over caves, so give each fish its own hiding place. The name is applied loosely in the trade to several similar spotted Peckoltia L-numbers.