Shoal & Stem
Back to Flora & Fauna

No photo yet

Sign in to submit the first photo

FisheasyFreshwater

L075 Para Pleco

Peckoltia sabaji

📍 South America

Ask Finn

The L075 Para Pleco is a small, nocturnal armored catfish from South America known for its peaceful demeanor and algae-eating habits. This species features a dark coloration with lighter spots and reaches only 3-4 inches, making it suitable for smaller aquariums. It is an excellent addition to community tanks where it helps control algae growth while remaining unobtrusive.

Size3.5"
Min Tank20g
peaceful
Zonebottom

Care Guide

Diet

Feed sinking algae wafers and pellets 3-4 times weekly, supplemented with blanched vegetables like zucchini and cucumber. Provide occasional protein through small amounts of bloodworms or brine shrimp. This species is primarily nocturnal, so feed in the evening when they are most active.

Behavior

The L075 Para Pleco is a nocturnal bottom-dweller that spends most of the day hiding in caves, driftwood, or dense vegetation. They are solitary and territorial with their own kind but peaceful toward other fish species. At night, they actively forage for algae and detritus along the substrate and decorations.

Breeding

Breeding in captivity is challenging and rarely achieved in home aquariums. They require specific cave structures and pristine water conditions to spawn. Males are territorial and will guard breeding caves; successful breeding typically requires species-specific tanks with minimal disturbance.

Common Diseases

Ich (Ichthyophthirius multifiliis)

Symptoms

White spots on body and fins, rapid breathing, lethargy, rubbing against objects

Treatment

Increase water temperature to 78-80°F, perform daily 25% water changes, use aquarium salt or commercial ich treatment; maintain excellent water quality

Fin Rot

Symptoms

Frayed or deteriorating fins, discoloration at fin edges, lethargy

Treatment

Perform frequent water changes, improve water quality, use antibiotic medication if severe, ensure adequate hiding spaces to reduce stress

Bacterial Infection

Symptoms

Open sores, cloudy eyes, loss of appetite, unusual behavior

Treatment

Isolate affected fish, perform daily water changes, use broad-spectrum antibiotic treatment, maintain pristine water conditions

Parasitic Infection

Symptoms

Excessive scratching, weight loss, visible parasites, clamped fins

Treatment

Use anti-parasitic medication, perform frequent water changes, quarantine infected fish, improve tank hygiene and water quality

Community Photos

0 photos

Photos are added when members log a tank with this species and upload a photo in their tank journal. Add your own tank to contribute.

No photos yet — add a tank with L075 Para Pleco to be the first!

Sign in to vote.

Tips from the community 💡

0 tips

Real experiences, care advice, and keeper notes. Finn learns from these too.

Sign in to share your experience.

No community tips yet — be the first to share your knowledge!

Quick Facts

diet
Omnivore - algae wafers, sinking pellets, vegetables, occasional protein
lifespan
5-8 years
max size
9 cm (3.5 in)
tank size
20 gallons minimum
temperament
peaceful

Water it likes

ph
6.0-7.5
ammonia
0 ppm
nitrate
<20 ppm
hardness
4-8 dGH
temperature
162–180°F (72–82°C)

Stats

Community tips0
Kept by0 hobbyists