A good algae eater for the larger aquarium, provide high oxygen levels, a varied diet and plenty of hiding places
Overview
Synonyms
Glyptoperichthys scrophus, Liposarcus scrophus
Distribution
Peru
Maximum Size
32cm (12.6")
Temperature
22-28°C
Water Parameters
pH: 6.0-7.8, dH: up to 15 degrees.
Compatibility
Community
Lighting
No special requirements
Sexual Dimorphism
In larger specimens, experts may be able to sex the fish by examining the genital papillae (known as venting). In males, this is a small thick stump and in females it is much less obvious.
Feeding
Algae wafers, catfish pellets, granules, flake and frozen foods
Description
Care
The Alligator Plec is known from the Marañon and Ucayali River basins. This is a large bottom-dweller that requires a spacious aquarium. Provide plenty of shady hiding places amongst large pieces of bogwood and rocky caves. Most plants tend to be uprooted and eaten so are probably best omitted, although some aquarists have had success with tying robust species such as Java Fern or Anubias spp. to the bogwood. Filtration should be efficient as these fish are messy eaters. There should be moderate water movement, and frequent partial water changes will help keep nitrate to a minimum. The Alligator Plec is generally peaceful, but it will show territorial aggression towards its own kind and similar species if not given enough space. Tankmates could include any medium sized shoaling fish that occupy the mid to upper levels of the water column. May also be seen on sale as the Chocolate Pleco.
Feeding
Omnivorous. Offer a variety of different foodstuffs containing some vegetable matter. Cucumber, courgette, lettuce, squash etc should all be enthusiastically consumed, and these can be supplemented with sinking wafers/catfish tablets, and meaty frozen foods such as bloodworm and chopped prawns.
Breeding
This species has not been bred in the home aquarium.
Where can I buy these aquarium fish?
If you like this species and would like to find out more, we have an enormous range of aquarium fish and invertebrates available to buy in all of our stores across the UK (including freshwater tropical and marine fish).
However, please note that this species may not be available in your chosen store, even if the store specialises in this particular species. This is due to seasonality and stock availability from store-to-store. Please check with your local store about availability of specific species to purchase before making a journey.
For delivery before Christmas, orders must be placed on or before 3pm on Wednesday 20th December. We cannot guarantee delivery of these orders pre-Christmas as we are reliant on our couriers, but will use our best endeavours to get orders placed on this date out to you before Christmas. For full details of our festive delivery and opening times click here
Please note: online orders placed after 3pm on Friday 22nd December will not be dispatched until the New Year. For full details of our festive delivery and opening times click here
