Rusty Pleco
Overview
- Common
Name: Rusty Pleco
- Scientific
Name: Panaqolus sp. (LDA-72)
- Family:
Loricariidae
- Origin:
Amazon River basin (South America)
- Size:
4–5 inches (10–13 cm)
- Lifespan:
10+ years with proper care
- Temperament:
Peaceful, shy
- Activity:
Nocturnal
Tank Requirements
- Minimum
Tank Size: 30 gallons (113 litres)
- Tank
Setup:
- Substrate:
Sand or fine gravel
- Décor:
Driftwood (essential), caves, rocks for hiding
- Plants:
Optional (may nibble soft plants)
- Filtration:
Strong, as they prefer well-oxygenated water
- Water
Movement: Moderate to strong
Water Parameters
- Temperature:
76–82°F (24–28°C)
- pH:
6.0–7.5
- Hardness:
Soft to moderately hard (2–15 dGH)
Diet
- Primary
Diet: Herbivorous
- Wood
is essential — they rasp on it for digestion
- Foods
to Offer:
- Fresh
vegetables (zucchini, cucumber, sweet potato)
- Algae
wafers
- Spirulina
tablets
- Occasional
protein (bloodworms, brine shrimp — use sparingly)
Behaviour & Compatibility
- Temperament:
- Peaceful
and good for community tanks
- Territorial
with own species if space is limited
- Tankmates:
- Tetras,
rasboras, corydoras, peaceful dwarf cichlids
- Avoid
aggressive or large fish
Breeding
- Separate
breeding tank
- Provide
caves and driftwood
- Slightly
raise temp to trigger spawning
- Notes:
Male guards eggs in caves. Fry need wood and vegetables early on.
Tips
- Always
have driftwood — not just décor, it’s dietary
- Keep
tank clean with regular water changes
- Provide
low lighting or shaded areas — they’re shy
- Observe
for signs of stress: pale color, hiding more than usual