All fish / Loricariidae

Fork-tailed Peckoltia

Peckoltia furcata

Also known as l-134 look-alike, forktail pleco, fork tail peckoltia, peckoltia furcatum, furcata pleco, clown pleco forktail, ペコルティア・フルカータ, 叉尾豹纹异型

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A small suckermouth catfish with dark and pale saddle bands and a deeply forked tail, which sets it apart from most other Peckoltia. It stays compact and is fairly peaceful, so it suits community tanks with good water flow and wood.

Care at a glance

Care level: Moderate
Temperament: Peaceful
Adult size: 10 cm
Temperature: 24 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 wafers, frozen bloodworm and brine shrimp, some vegetables and algae, plus wood to graze
Swims: Bottom of the tank
Lifespan: 8 to 12 years
Water: Freshwater
Wild range: Upper Amazon basin in Brazil, Peru and possibly Colombia

Breeding

A cave spawner in which the male guards the eggs and larvae inside a tight cave. Captive spawning is reported only occasionally and is not routine.

Good to know

Several banded Peckoltia and L-number plecos look very similar, so check the forked tail when buying. Males can squabble over caves, so provide one hide per fish.