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Adonis Pleco

Acanthicus adonis

AnimaliaChordataActinopterygiiLoricariidae

📍 Rio Tocantins, Brazil

Ask Finn

Massive, spectacular pleco with white spots on a jet-black body. One of the largest plecos available, reaching 30+ inches. A monster fish for public-aquarium-scale tanks only.

Size24"
Min Tank150g
peaceful
Zonebottom

Care Guide

Diet

Adonis Plecos are primarily wood-eaters that require driftwood for digestion and dental health; supplement with high-quality sinking pellets, algae wafers, and occasional blanched vegetables like zucchini and spinach. Feed 2-3 times weekly, offering enough food to be consumed within 2-3 hours. They are omnivorous and will also consume small amounts of frozen foods like bloodworms, but wood consumption is essential for their digestive system.

Behavior

This is a nocturnal, bottom-dwelling giant that spends most daylight hours hidden in caves or under driftwood, becoming more active after dark. Adonis Plecos are generally peaceful and solitary, showing minimal aggression toward other fish but requiring substantial personal space due to their massive adult size. They are slow-moving and sedentary, rarely venturing into open water.

Breeding

Breeding Adonis Plecos in captivity is extremely rare and virtually undocumented in the hobby; they require very large tanks, specific cave structures, and precise environmental conditions that are difficult to replicate. Sexual maturity takes many years to achieve, and spawning triggers remain largely unknown. Hobbyists should not expect to breed this species and should source only from reputable captive-bred suppliers.

Common Diseases

Fin Rot

Symptoms

Frayed, deteriorating fins; discoloration at fin edges; lethargy

Treatment

Improve water quality through frequent partial water changes, maintain temperature at 25-27°C, and treat with antibacterial medication if severe

Ich (Ichthyophthirius)

Symptoms

White spots on body and fins; scratching against surfaces; rapid breathing

Treatment

Gradually raise temperature to 28-29°C, increase aeration, perform daily water changes, and use ich-specific treatment; avoid copper-based medications

Bacterial Infections

Symptoms

Open sores, cloudy eyes, swollen abdomen, loss of appetite

Treatment

Perform large water changes, maintain pristine water quality, quarantine if possible, and use broad-spectrum antibacterial treatment

Nutritional Deficiency

Symptoms

Stunted growth, pale coloration, lethargy, weakened immune response

Treatment

Ensure adequate driftwood availability, provide varied diet including quality pellets and vegetables, and supplement with vitamin-enriched foods

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Quick Facts

pH
6.0–7.5
diet
omnivore/wood
maxSize
36 inches
minTankSize
300 gallons
temperature
77–84°F (25–29°C)

Temperature

77–84°F

25–29°C

Stats

Community tips0
Kept by0 hobbyists