Sabaji Pleco (L075)

The sabaji pleco is a species recognized by its large, round dark spots on a light background and sold under the numbers L075, L124 and L301. It was described in 2003 as Peckoltia sabaji and was for a time also placed in the genus Hemiancistrus. Unlike its small relatives, it can reach 20–25 cm.

It lives over a wide area from Guyana to Venezuela and northern Brazil. Being hardy and omnivorous makes it easy to care for, but its large size makes it unsuitable for small aquariums.

• At least 300 liters and 120 cm length for one adult.
• Large roots, caves and flat stones.
• 25–28°C, a strong filter and moderate flow.

Omnivorous. Vegetable and protein-rich sinking tablets, blanched vegetables, bloodworms, mysis and pieces of shrimp should be given in rotation. It also rasps on roots.

Peaceful toward other species; as it grows it can become territorial toward its own kind and plecos of similar size. It is nocturnal.

Good companions: Medium and large calm fish: large tetras, Geophagus species, rainbowfish, medium-sized cichlids.

Avoid: Small aquariums, other large plecos (in limited space), very small bottom dwellers.