Adonis pleco - Acanthicus adonis

Scientific name: Acanthicus adonis

Common name: Adonis pleco

Family: Loricariidae

Usual size in fish tanks: 20 - 25 cm (7.87 - 9.84 inch)

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Recommended pH range for the species: 6 - 7

Recommended water hardness (dGH): 5 - 14°N (89.29 - 250ppm)

0°C 32°F30°C 86°F

Recommended temperature: 24 - 27 °C (75.2 - 80.6°F)

The way how these fish reproduce: Spawning

Where the species comes from: South America

Temperament to its own species: peaceful

Temperament toward other fish species: peaceful

Usual place in the tank: Bottom levels

Adonis Pleco (Acanthicus adonis) Care Guide: Size, Habitat, and Diet

Origin

The Adonis Pleco (Acanthicus adonis) originates from the river basins of South America, primarily the Amazon River in Brazil and Peru. These plecos are typically found in fast-moving, well-oxygenated waters with plenty of rocks, driftwood, and caves that serve as natural hiding spots.

Lifespan

With proper care, the Adonis Pleco can live for up to 16 years in captivity. To support their longevity, it’s important to maintain clean water conditions, a well-balanced diet, and sufficient space for them to thrive.

Short Description

The Adonis Pleco is a striking species, particularly in its juvenile phase, when it has a series of white spots scattered across its body. As it matures, these spots may fade, leaving the fish with a darker, more uniform coloration. It’s important to note that the Adonis Pleco can grow quite large in aquariums, reaching sizes between 20 - 25 cm (7.87 - 9.84 inches). Due to their size, a spacious tank is required, ideally with a length three times their body size and a width twice their body length. A tank of at least 250 gallons (~946 liters) is recommended for an adult specimen.

While juvenile Adonis Plecos are generally peaceful, they become increasingly territorial as they mature, particularly males. For this reason, it’s advisable to keep them as solitary bottom dwellers in the tank, avoiding the inclusion of other plecos or bottom-dwelling fish to prevent aggressive territorial behavior.

Tank Requirements and Setup

Adonis Plecos require a large aquarium with plenty of room to swim and explore. Since they are bottom-dwellers, it’s crucial to provide a tank with a spacious footprint. The substrate should allow for burrowing behavior, and decorations like rocks and driftwood should be added to create hiding places, which help them feel secure.

They prefer well-oxygenated water, so a powerful filtration system is essential to maintain water quality. Regular water changes are also important to keep ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate levels under control. Additionally, Adonis Plecos thrive in low-light environments, so adding floating plants to dim the lighting is recommended. Avoid live plants in the substrate, as these plecos are known to burrow and may disturb or uproot the plants. However, plants attached to driftwood or rocks are suitable for tanks with Adonis Plecos, as they won’t be disturbed by the fish's burrowing behavior.

The recommended water parameters for Adonis Plecos are:

pH: 6.0 - 7.0
Water hardness (dGH): 5 - 14°N (89.29 - 250 ppm)
Temperature: 24 - 27°C (75.2 - 80.6°F)

Temperament

Juvenile Adonis Plecos are generally peaceful and can cohabit with other fish species. However, as they grow, they become highly territorial, particularly males. This aggressive behavior is more pronounced toward other bottom-dwelling fish, so it’s best to keep them alone in the tank. That said, if the aquarium has plenty of caves and hiding spots, territoriality can be minimized, as each fish will have its own space. They may show peaceful behavior toward mid-level and surface-dwelling fish, but tank mates should be chosen carefully to avoid stress or conflict.

Feeding

Adonis Plecos are omnivores with a strong preference for protein-rich foods. In captivity, they will readily accept a variety of foods, including bloodworms, larvae, sinking granules, and algae wafers. Occasionally, they can be given protein-rich foods such as beef heart, but this should be offered sparingly to avoid digestive issues.

For a well-balanced diet, provide a mix of the following:

Sinking algae wafers
Bloodworms and insect larvae
Sinking granules or tablets
Blanched vegetables like zucchini and cucumber

Regular feeding of vegetable matter, such as spinach and zucchini, helps support their digestion and overall health.

Sexing

Determining the sex of Adonis Plecos can be difficult, especially in young specimens. There are no easily visible differences between males and females. As they mature, males may develop broader heads and more prominent odontodes (spiny growths) on their pectoral fins, but this is not a definitive method of sexing.

Breeding

Breeding Adonis Plecos in home aquariums is exceedingly rare, and there are no confirmed reports of successful spawning in captivity. In the wild, these fish are thought to create nests by digging caves along riverbanks, where the female lays eggs. The male takes over parental duties, guarding the eggs and driving the female away after spawning. The male continues to protect the fry until they are free-swimming and can fend for themselves.

It is believed that Adonis Plecos require highly specific conditions to breed, including ample space, perfect water parameters, and secluded nesting areas, making breeding extremely challenging for most aquarists.

Final Thoughts

The Adonis Pleco is a captivating and unique species, but it requires a dedicated and spacious tank with careful attention to water quality and diet. While juvenile specimens may be peaceful, mature individuals tend to become territorial and aggressive toward other bottom-dwelling fish. If you have the space and experience to meet their needs, the Adonis Pleco can be a rewarding addition to your aquarium for many years to come.