Tiger pleco - Peckoltia vittata

Scientific name: Peckoltia vittata

Common name: Tiger pleco

Family: Loricariidae

Usual size in fish tanks: 10 - 14 cm (3.94 - 5.51 inch)

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Recommended pH range for the species: 5.9 - 7

Recommended water hardness (dGH): 3 - 15°N (53.57 - 267.86ppm)

0°C 32°F30°C 86°F

Recommended temperature: 21 - 26 °C (69.8 - 78.8°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

Tiger pleco’s are omnivorous but if kept well fed they should not attempt to eat any aquarium plants. Use sinking pellets and algae wafers but vary the meals with live or frozen foods. Blood worms and brine shrimp are ideal.

Origin

South America; Tiger pleco’s are found in the Amazonian River Basins of Brazil.

Sexing

Males will develop small spines on the leading pectoral fin and they will continue down the flanks, the females when viewed from above will have a stockier body shape.

Breeding

The male will select a cave and invite the female to enter in preparation for laying her eggs. Once the eggs are laid, the male will take on the parental role, guarding the nest and the female will be driven out. The fry will have large yolk sacs so will not be free swimming until 8 days later, at this stage they can be fed on newly hatched brine shrimp.

Lifespan

The expected life span for Peckoltia vittata is 5-8 years.

Short description

Mature specimens can become territorial so only keep more than one unless there is plenty of tank space with areas divided by bog wood or rock formations. Peckoltia vittata are sometimes referred to as “candy Stripes” and at one time were mistaken for clown plecs.

Pictures

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