All fish / Loricariidae

Saddle Pleco

Peckoltia ephippiata

Also known as l075, l-075, l075 pleco, saddle peckoltia, saddled pleco, peckoltia l75, l124, ephippiata pleco, ペコルティア・エフィッピアタ

A small suckermouth catfish with a dark body crossed by broad pale yellowish saddles and banded fins. It stays compact, making it a good choice for community tanks where a large pleco would not fit.

Care at a glance

Care level

Moderate

Temperament

Peaceful

Adult size

9 cm

Temperature

25 to 30 °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 pellets, bloodworm, brine shrimp, vegetables and some algae wafers

Swims

Bottom of the tank

Lifespan

8 to 12 years

Water

Freshwater

Wild range

Brazil: lower Amazon tributaries, Rio Xingu and Rio Tapajós region

Breeding

A cave spawner in which the male guards the eggs and larvae inside a tight cave until the fry are free swimming. It has been bred in aquariums but needs warm, clean, well oxygenated water and suitable caves.

Good to know

Often traded under L-numbers such as L075 and L124, and several similar Peckoltia species are confused with it. Needs good water flow and oxygen; males can squabble over caves.