Titanic Pleco (L203)

The titanic pleco, described from the upper Amazon in 2010, is one of the largest Loricariidae species known, with a standard length exceeding 57 cm; including the tail it easily passes 60 cm and becomes very heavy. The number L203 was given in the trade to juveniles; the matching of these juveniles to the species has not been conclusively confirmed scientifically.

Juveniles are occasionally seen in stores, but this species is not suitable for a home aquarium. Keeping a fish that has reached adult size is only possible in very large systems at public aquarium scale.

• A system of over 2000 liters and at least 300 cm length for an adult.
• Very large, hard roots; powerful sump filtration.
• A 40–50% water change every week; the waste load is very high.

A wood-eating species. It feeds on large roots, blanched vegetables (zucchini, potato, cucumber) and vegetable tablets; protein-rich food should be given rarely.

Calm toward other species, but as it grows it becomes territorial toward its own kind and other large plecos. Because of its strength it easily shifts decor around.

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

Avoid: Home aquariums, small fish, other giant plecos.