All fish / Loricariidae

Candy Striped Pleco

Peckoltia vittata

Also known as l015, l15, candy stripe pleco, candy striped peckoltia, striped peckoltia, l-015, vittata pleco, clown pleco, ペckoltia ヴィッタータ, 糖果异型

A small suckermouth catfish with a sandy to yellowish body crossed by bold dark saddles and banded fins. It stays compact, is hardy and suits community tanks with driftwood and caves, making it a popular choice for smaller aquariums.

Care at a glance

Care level

Easy

Temperament

Peaceful

Adult size

10 cm

Temperature

24 to 30 °C

pH

6 to 7.5

Smallest tank

80 litres

Keep as

Single or a small group with plenty of caves

Diet

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

Swims

Bottom of the tank

Lifespan

8 to 12 years

Water

Freshwater

Wild range

Brazil: Amazon basin, including the Xingu, Tapajós and Madeira rivers

Breeding

A cave spawner in which the male guards the eggs and wrigglers inside a tight cave until they are free swimming. It has been bred in home aquaria with warm, clean, well oxygenated water and suitably sized caves, though it is not routine.

Good to know

Several similar banded Peckoltia and Hypancistrus species are sold under the same name, so identification can be uncertain. Males can squabble over caves, so provide one per fish.