All fish / Loricariidae

Peckoltia capitulata

Peckoltia capitulata

Also known as l-number pleco, peckoltia pleco, clown pleco

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This is a small armoured suckermouth catfish with a brown body crossed by pale yellowish bands and blotches, and a fairly short, broad head. People keep it because it stays small enough for a community tank and is a tidy, interesting bottom dweller with plenty of character.

Care at a glance

Care level

Moderate

Temperament

Semi

Adult size

10 cm

Temperature

25 to 30 °C

pH

6 to 7.5

Smallest tank

80 litres

Keep as

Single or a group with plenty of caves

Diet

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

Swims

Bottom of the tank

Lifespan

8 to 12 years

Water

Freshwater

Wild range

Lower Amazon basin, Brazil (Tapajós and nearby rivers)

Breeding

It breeds in caves. The male guards the eggs and larvae until the young are free swimming. Captive spawning is possible in warm, well oxygenated water with suitable caves, but it is not often reported.

Good to know

Males can be territorial with other plecos, so give each fish its own cave. It looks very like other banded Peckoltia, so traded fish are often given the wrong name.