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)

014

Recommended pH range: 6 - 7.2

Recommended water hardness: 3 - 12°N (53.57 - 214.29ppm)

0°C 32°F30°C 86°F

Recommended temperature range: 24 - 28 °C (75.2 - 82.4°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

General Information

Peckoltia vittata (L015)—sold as the Tiger Pleco or Candy-Stripe Pleco—is a small loricariid from the lower Amazon tributaries of northern Brazil (often cited from the Xingu/Tapajós region). The common names are loosely used in the trade, and multiple species wear the “tiger/candy” labels, so misidentification is common. Adults typically reach 10–12 cm (occasionally ~14 cm). Peaceful toward other species but may spar with conspecific males over caves.

Food & Feeding

Peckoltia are omnivores with a protein bias rather than dedicated algae-eaters. Offer sinking carnivore/omnivore wafers or pellets as a staple and rotate frozen/live items (baby brine shrimp, mysis, finely chopped bloodworms/krill). Include some spirulina or vegetable wafers and blanched greens as a minor component. Feed after lights-down so food reaches them; avoid persistent leftovers that foul the substrate.

Sexing

Males tend to develop more odontodes (bristles) on the cheeks/pectoral area and show a broader head; females are fuller-bodied when viewed from above. Clear differences show best in mature groups.

Breeding

Cave spawner with male parental care. Provide several tight caves (ceramic/slate/wood crevices). The male guards, fans and cleans the clutch; the female is typically excluded post-spawn. Incubation is temperature-dependent (~4–7 days); fry remain in the cave until yolk sacs are absorbed, then accept microworms and newly hatched brine shrimp. Stable, clean water with high oxygenation is key.

Lifespan

Commonly 8–10 years with good husbandry; slower growth and longevity are normal for smaller loricariids.

Tank Requirements & Water Parameters

Tank size: footprint ≥ 75–90 cm (30–36″). Provide multiple caves—ideally one per fish plus spares.
Temperature: 24–28 °C (75–82 °F) for best activity (within your database range).
pH: 6.0–7.2; hardness: ~3–12 °dH. Stability matters more than the exact number.
Environment: fine sand or smooth rounded gravel, wood and stones forming narrow crevices; moderate flow & strong oxygenation (spray bar/powerhead).
Maintenance: weekly water changes (25–35%) and regular filter service; keep nitrate low.

Compatibility & Tank Mates

Generally peaceful bottom dweller that coexists well with calm tetras/rasboras, dwarf rainbows, and small corydoras. Avoid housing with aggressive bottom competitors or much larger plecos that might outcompete them for caves.

Behaviour & Usual Place in the Tank

Crepuscular/nocturnal; spends daylight in bottom-level cover and emerges to graze surfaces after dark. Provide several narrow caves to reduce male–male disputes.

Short Description

Peckoltia vittata (L015) is a compact, striped pleco from northern Brazil. Keep it warm, clean, and well-oxygenated with plenty of tight caves, feed a protein-leaning varied diet, and expect peaceful behavior toward non-bottom neighbors. Note: the “Tiger/Candy-Stripe Pleco” name is used for different species—verify ID if you are breeding or labeling stock.