All fish / Loricariidae

Peckoltia caenosa

Peckoltia caenosa

Also known as l-nothing, orinoco peckoltia, muddy peckoltia, peckoltia sp. orinoco

No free-to-use photo of this fish yet. Took one yourself? Send it to us and we will credit you.

A small, dull brown to greyish suckermouth catfish with faint darker mottling and bands, described from the Orinoco basin in 2012. Its modest size and calm nature make it a good choice for hobbyists who like collecting less common plecos for community tanks.

Care at a glance

Care level

Moderate

Temperament

Peaceful

Adult size

9 cm

Temperature

24 to 29 °C

pH

6 to 7.5

Smallest tank

80 litres

Keep as

Singly or in a small group with plenty of caves

Diet

Omnivore: sinking catfish pellets, algae wafers, vegetables, bloodworm and other frozen foods

Swims

Bottom of the tank

Lifespan

8 to 12 years

Water

Freshwater

Wild range

Venezuela and Colombia: Orinoco basin (Río Meta and Apure drainages)

Breeding

Like other Peckoltia it is a cave spawner, with the male guarding the eggs and larvae inside a tight cave. Captive spawnings are rarely recorded, but it should be possible with warm, clean, well-oxygenated water and suitable caves.

Good to know

Rarely sold under its own name and easily confused with other drab Peckoltia species, so identification by sellers may be unreliable. Males can squabble over caves, so provide several hiding places.