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Adonis Pleco
Acanthicus adonis
Animalia›Chordata›Actinopterygii›Loricariidae
📍 Rio Tocantins, Brazil
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.
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.
Tank Mates
Small, peaceful algae-eaters that occupy different water zones and won't compete for bottom space
Compatible pleco species with similar water requirements; ensure sufficient driftwood and cave space for both
Small, peaceful schooling fish that occupy mid-water zones and won't disturb the pleco
Peaceful, non-aggressive schooling fish that thrive in similar warm water conditions
Common Diseases
Fin Rot
Frayed, deteriorating fins; discoloration at fin edges; lethargy
Improve water quality through frequent partial water changes, maintain temperature at 25-27°C, and treat with antibacterial medication if severe
Ich (Ichthyophthirius)
White spots on body and fins; scratching against surfaces; rapid breathing
Gradually raise temperature to 28-29°C, increase aeration, perform daily water changes, and use ich-specific treatment; avoid copper-based medications
Bacterial Infections
Open sores, cloudy eyes, swollen abdomen, loss of appetite
Perform large water changes, maintain pristine water quality, quarantine if possible, and use broad-spectrum antibacterial treatment
Nutritional Deficiency
Stunted growth, pale coloration, lethargy, weakened immune response
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