Care
The Bulldog Plec is known from western piedmont tributaries of the upper Rio Meta and Rio Guaviare basins in eastern Colombia. Here the clear water flows quickly over substrates of bedrock where it is forced past boulders at speed and is saturated with oxygen. Such water courses are surrounded with marginal vegetation, and an aufwuchs-rich biofilm covers the rocky substrate, which these fish enjoy grazing upon. The aquarium should be mature, with a soft sand or fine rounded gravel substrate and various pieces of smooth rockwork and bogwood arranged to create lots of shady caves and crevices. As plants are not found in any great abundance in the natural habitat, they can be omitted from the aquascape, although a few areas of hardy vegetation (that can cope with current) will make the aquarium look more aesthetically pleasing and will help with water quality. There should be brisk water movement and a high level of oxygenation, perhaps provided by powerheads (in addition to the current generated by the filtration). Small frequent partial water changes will help keep nitrate to a minimum; as a riverine species these fish are rather sensitive to the build up of nitrogenous waste. The Bulldog Plec is generally peaceful, but it will show minor territorial aggression towards its own kind if not given enough space. In most instances though, they can be maintained in small groups as long as there is adequate room and enough hiding places to go round. Tankmates could include any medium sized peaceful shoaling fish that occupy the mid to upper levels of the water column and which also enjoy the fast-flowing conditions. May also be seen on sale as Rubbernose Plec, Striped Bulldog Plec, or Striped Rubbernose Plec.
Feeding
Small frozen foods such as white mosquito larvae, bloodworm, and Spirulina/vitamin-enriched brineshrimp; plus algae wafers and sinking catfish pellets/tablets. Will nibble on algae, aufwuchs, and soft-leaved plants. It is important to include a good proportion of vegetable matter in the diet, such as cucumber or courgette, and this should also limit damage to any aquatic plants.
Breeding
The Bulldog Plec has been bred in the home aquarium, but details are few and far between. This species is a cave spawner and it is the male fish which guards the eggs.
