Adonis Pleco

As a juvenile, the adonis pleco is one of the most eye-catching plecos in stores, with its white polka dots on a black background and its long-tipped, lyre-like tail. But this cute look is misleading: the spots fade and disappear with age, and the fish reaches 60 cm in the aquarium and, according to reported records, much more in the wild.

In the trade, dark-colored Acanthicus are often also sold under the number L155; which species this number belongs to is disputed.

• At least 1500 liters and 300 cm length for one adult; public aquarium scale.
• Very powerful sump filtration, frequent water changes.
• Large, sturdy caves; it easily shifts decor around.

Omnivorous. Pieces of fish, mussel and shrimp, krill, protein-rich sinking tablets and blanched vegetables should be given in rotation.

It becomes territorial and rough as it grows; it may attack other plecos and bottom dwellers. Its spiny plates and fin spines can injure other fish.

Good companions: Only very large, robust fish: large cichlids, large characins (in a very large system).

Avoid: Home aquariums, other plecos, small and slow bottom dwellers, shrimp.