L Numbers And Plecs

One of the most popular of the catfish groups, Loricariids have achieved cult status since the rise of the ‘L number Read More

One of the most popular of the catfish groups, Loricariids have achieved cult status since the rise of the ‘L numbers’ where new species were being imported far faster than they could be scientifically described. Prior to this, new plecs were catalogued in the conventional way, and this is the reason these old established fishes have binomial names but no L number.

From a basic body form, Loricariids have diversified to exploit a range of niches. Twig catfish do exactly what their name implies and mimic waterlogged woody debris in fast water, whereas the chunky Adonis plec grows too large and spiny for most predators and is far more carnivorous.

They might have started their aquarium career as algae-munching cleaners, but they soon became the focus of a lot of attention as more glamorous species were imported. Sadly, some of them are threatened with habitat loss in the wild thanks to a limited distribution that makes them vulnerable. Luckily a growing number are now being bred in aquaria.

Despite their cult following, a good many of these fishes will happily pay their rent by eating algae and their range of sizes and shapes means that there’s a suitable species for large or small set ups.

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