Para pleco - Peckoltia sabaji

Scientific name: Peckoltia sabaji

Common name: Para 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: 6.4 - 7.5

Recommended water hardness (dGH): 5 - 13°N (89.29 - 232.14ppm)

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

Food and feeding

Para pleco’s are not fussy eaters and will accept all foods offered. When they are first introduced into the tank feed them in the evenings until they have settled enough to come out in the daytime. Use sinking pellets and algae wafers, vary this with occasional treats of blood worms and brine shrimp.

Origin

South America; Para pleco’s are found in the waterways of Colombia and Venezuela.

Sexing

There are no visible differences between the sexes.

Breeding

Compared to other catfish, the spawning process with these fish is very peaceful. The male will invite a female into his cave or nest and will then turn himself round and enter the cave tail first ready for breeding. Once spawning has taken place the female will leave the cave in a friendly fashion and the male will tend the nest. It takes up to 7 days for the eggs to hatch and a further 7 days for the fry to be free swimming. At this stage they can be fed on newly hatched brine shrimp.

Lifespan

The expected lifespan for Peckoltia sabaji is 5-8 years.

Short description

A very peaceful catfish that fits well into a community set up. Add plenty of hiding places and use subdued lighting to help Peckoltia sabaji to settle.

Pictures

Bought by aqua-fish.net from jjphoto.dk.