All fish / Loricariidae

Bulldog Pleco

Pseudorinelepis genibarbis

Also known as l095, l 095, l-95, carnegiei pleco, bearded pleco, bulldog plec, pseudorinelepis carachama, tiger bulldog pleco, プセウドリネレピス・ゲニバルビス, 斗牛异型

A heavily armoured, stocky suckermouth catfish with dark brown to black plates and, in some forms, yellowish spots and fin edges, with mature males growing bristly cheek odontodes. It is kept by catfish enthusiasts for its unusual bulldog look and hardy nature in large South American setups.

Care at a glance

Care level

Moderate

Temperament

Semi

Adult size

30 cm

Temperature

24 to 30 °C

pH

6 to 7.5

Smallest tank

400 litres

Keep as

Singly or in a group in a very large tank; males can squabble over caves

Diet

Omnivore: sinking algae wafers, vegetables, bogwood, plus prawns, bloodworm and other meaty foods

Swims

Bottom of the tank

Lifespan

10 to 15 years

Water

Freshwater

Wild range

Upper Amazon basin in Peru, Brazil, Ecuador and Colombia

Breeding

A cave spawner in which the male guards the eggs inside a burrow or cave. Captive breeding is rarely reported because of the adult size and space needed.

Good to know

Reaches around 30 cm or more, so it needs a big tank with strong filtration and hiding caves. Can uproot plants and become territorial with other bottom dwellers.