All fish / Loricariidae

Werneke's Pleco

Peckoltia wernekei

Also known as l76, l-76, werneke's peckoltia, orinoco tiger pleco, clown pleco, ペコルティア・ウェルネケイ, L76异型

A small suckermouth catfish with a dark brown to black body crossed by pale yellowish bands and stripes, sold under the L-number L76. It stays small enough for modest community tanks and is kept for its bold pattern and its habit of grazing on wood and surfaces.

Care at a glance

Care level

Moderate

Temperament

Semi

Adult size

10 cm

Temperature

25 to 30 °C

pH

5.5 to 7.5

Smallest tank

80 litres

Keep as

Singly or in a group with plenty of caves

Diet

Omnivore: sinking pellets and wafers, frozen bloodworm and brine shrimp, vegetables, and soft wood to rasp

Swims

Bottom of the tank

Lifespan

8 to 12 years

Water

Freshwater

Wild range

Upper Orinoco and Rio Negro basins, Venezuela and Brazil

Breeding

A cave spawner in which the male guards the eggs and wrigglers inside a tight-fitting cave. It has been bred in captivity, though success is occasional and usually needs warm, well-oxygenated, soft water.

Good to know

Males can be territorial with other plecos over caves, so provide one hiding place per fish. Several similar banded Peckoltia and Panaqolus species are often confused with it in the trade.