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L104 Clown Peckoltia
Peckoltia sp. L104
📍 South America
The L104 Clown Peckoltia is a small, colorful pleco species native to South American rivers, featuring distinctive white spots or bands on a dark body. These peaceful bottom-dwellers are excellent algae eaters and wood-borers, making them valuable additions to planted and established aquariums. They are nocturnal and relatively hardy, though they require stable water conditions and plenty of hiding spots.
Care Guide
Diet
L104 Clown Peckoltias are primarily herbivorous and algae-eating fish that graze on algae and biofilm in the aquarium. Supplement their diet with high-quality algae wafers, blanched vegetables (zucchini, cucumber), and driftwood for natural wood-boring behavior. Feed 2-3 times weekly in the evening, as they are nocturnal feeders.
Behavior
These plecos are nocturnal and spend most daylight hours hiding in caves, under driftwood, or among dense vegetation. They are peaceful community fish that rarely interact with tankmates and are most active during evening and night hours. They exhibit natural wood-boring behavior and require driftwood in the tank for both grazing and behavioral enrichment.
Breeding
Breeding L104 Clown Peckoltias in captivity is challenging and rarely achieved in home aquariums. They require specific cave-like spawning sites, stable water conditions, and mature driftwood. Males are territorial during breeding and will guard eggs; successful breeding typically occurs only in heavily planted, well-established tanks with minimal disturbance.
Tank Mates
Small, peaceful schooling fish that occupy different water zones
Similar peaceful algae-eating habits and bottom-dwelling behavior
Excellent algae control companion with minimal interaction
Peaceful mid-water dweller that won't compete for bottom space
Compatible bottom-dweller with similar peaceful temperament and care needs
Small, peaceful schooling fish that occupy middle water column
Common Diseases
Ich (Ichthyophthirius multifiliis)
White spots on body and fins, rapid breathing, lethargy, rubbing against objects
Increase water temperature to 78-80 F (26-27 C), use ich medication, perform frequent water changes, ensure good filtration
Fin Rot
Frayed or deteriorating fins, discoloration at fin edges, lethargy
Improve water quality with frequent water changes, remove decaying driftwood, use antibacterial medication if severe, ensure proper nutrition
Bacterial Infection
Sores on body, cloudy eyes, loss of appetite, color fading
Perform 25-30% water changes daily, use broad-spectrum antibacterial medication, maintain optimal water parameters, isolate if severely affected
Parasitic Infection
Excessive scratching, weight loss, visible parasites, clamped fins
Use anti-parasitic medication, increase water changes, quarantine affected fish, treat entire tank if infestation is widespread
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Quick Facts
- diet
- Omnivore - algae wafers, driftwood, vegetables, occasional protein
- lifespan
- 8-12 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)