Care
An elegant plec with shark-like tail finnage, this adaptable fish frequents habitats with flowing water and sand or gravel substrates.
The aquarium should be mature, with a soft sand substrate and various pieces of smooth rockwork and bogwood arranged to create lots of large shady caves and crevices. There should be good water movement and a high level of oxygenation. These bottom-dwellers require warmer than average water temperatures, and will not do well below 25°C. These fish can be prone to sudden bursts of activity, so provide plenty of swimming space. Companions should ideally occupy the middle and upper levels, be reasonably peaceful, and be able to thrive in warm, soft water. Unlike many larger plecs, these fish are not generally territorial with their own kind or similar fishes and younger fish especially seem to appreciate being kept in groups. Ensure that regular partial water changes are carried out as these catfish produce a fair amount of waste and will not tolerate an elevated nitrate level.
Given the wide distribution of this species, it's no surprise that it has a lot of L numbers attached to it from different locations. At the moment L011, L035, L108, L116 and L131 are all the same fish. It's best to avoid housing these different locations together to avoid accidental hybridisation if they turn out to be different species.
Feeding
Algae wafers and sinking pellets can be supplemented with a variety of different foodstuffs containing a good proportion of vegetable matter. Cucumber, courgette, lettuce, squash etc should all be enthusiastically consumed, and the odd treat of meaty frozen foods such as bloodworm and chopped prawns will be welcomed.
Breeding
Has been bred in the home aquarium, but details are scarce. Given the size of adult fish, a spacious aquarium is required. As mature males develop odontodes when in breeding condition, it's safe to assume that females kept under the same conditions will be carrying eggs. Provide warm (30 °C), soft, acidic water with a high level of oxygenation, and a choice of several relatively snug caves.
