Brown-dot Peckoltia (L006)

The brown-dot peckoltia is a small pleco species known by the number L006, plainly colored but easy to care for. It differs from other Peckoltia species in that the spots and saddle markings on its body are faint. Adults stay around 10 cm.

It lives in the eastern Brazilian Amazon, in the basins of the Tocantins and the Capim and Guamá rivers. Thanks to its omnivorous nature and small size, it is an L-number pleco well suited to community aquariums.

• 100 liters for one or two fish.
• Roots, caves and flat stones; a hiding place for each fish.
• 26–28°C, moderate flow and good aeration.

Omnivorous. Vegetable and protein-rich sinking tablets, blanched zucchini and spinach, and frozen foods such as bloodworms and mysis can be given in rotation. It also rasps on roots. Since it is active at night, feed in the evening.

Peaceful and nocturnal. It leaves other fish alone; it has brief squabbles with males of its own kind over caves. It usually does not harm plants.

Good companions: Tetras, rasboras, corydoras, dwarf cichlids.

Avoid: Large cichlids that claim the bottom, large territorial plecos.