All fish / Loricariidae

Peckoltia pankimpuju

Peckoltia pankimpuju

Also known as l-pleco peckoltia, peruvian peckoltia, tiger pleco, clown pleco

A small suckermouth catfish from Peru with a banded pattern of dark saddles on a tan or yellowish body, typical of the Peckoltia group. It was described in 2017 and is kept by pleco enthusiasts who want a compact, attractive species for community tanks with good flow.

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 pellets and wafers, frozen bloodworm and brine shrimp, blanched vegetables, some driftwood grazing

Swims

Bottom of the tank

Lifespan

8 to 12 years

Water

Freshwater

Wild range

Peru: Marañón River basin (upper Amazon)

Breeding

Like other Peckoltia it is a cave spawner, with the male guarding the eggs and fry inside a tube or crevice. Captive breeding is possible in well-oxygenated, clean water but is seldom reported for this species.

Good to know

Rarely sold under its scientific name and easily confused with other banded Peckoltia, so identification by trade name is unreliable. Males can be territorial over caves, so provide one hiding place per fish.