Peckoltia vittata – Candy Striped Pleco – L015
Peckoltia vittata was officially described in 1882 by Steindachner. Later specimens were found that they did not immediately recognize as this species, they were given the temporary designation L015. Afterwards, it turned out to be Peckoltia vittata.
This species is often confused in the books with Panaque maccus which, depending on mood, can be the same color.
Description
Peckoltia vittata is a relatively peaceful fish that can be kept with fish of all sizes without too much trouble. Initially, this catfish usually hides during the day, only to leave its hiding place at dusk in search of food. However, once accustomed to its new environment, this fish often turns out to be – especially by Armored catfish standards – a very enterprising and not shy fish. They can reach a length of about 10 to 12 centimeters.
This species can be kept alone or with a number of conspecifics: if a group of these fish is kept, like all Armored catfish, there must be enough space for the fish to set up a small territory. There must also be sufficient hiding places in the form of plants, rocks and driftwood. If this is not met, these small fish can become rather intolerant of each other, but also of other bottom dwellers.
Origin
South America: Pará, Rio Tocantins, Catemá, Brazil.
Diet
Catfish of the genus Peckoltia are known as omnivores, and as such, once acclimated, feeding will not be much of a problem. Both meaty food and pellets, insect larvae (mosquito larvae, bloodworms), tubifex, krill and shrimps, as well as vegetable food (algae tablets, fresh blanched vegetables, algae) are accepted without any problem.
In addition, this species likes to grate at the organic layer that forms on sunken surfaces (driftwood, rocks, leaves, aquarium glass), sporadically also eats soft wood, and, like many (Armor) catfish, is not too bad at cleaning up food remains left behind by other fish.
The Aquarium
This beautifully drawn, small catfish prefers a dimly lit aquarium with many hiding places, in the form of plants, driftwood, rocks, and/or artificial caves. To keep several specimens of this species, or to keep this species with other bottom dwellers, an aquarium of 100×40 centimeters is required, as the species can be quite territorial. In the absence of suitable hiding places, the Candy Striped Pleco can be quite aggressive towards other bottom dwellers. If it is the only bottom dweller in the aquarium, an aquarium of 80x35cm. is sufficient. Juveniles can be kept temporarily in smaller aquariums without any problems, as long as there are sufficient hiding places.
This species does best in soft, slightly acidic to neutral water, rich in oxygen and with a lot of current, but can also adapt to conditions less similar to those found in the wild. A strong filter is important, as this fish produces quite a lot of waste products given its protein-rich diet.
L015 is best kept in water with a temperature of about 22 to 30 degrees Celsius. The pH may range from 5.0 to 7.5.
Authors
Jonas Hansel – Piranha-info.com (original website no longer online)
John de Lange
Copyright images
Jonas Hansel – Piranha-info.com (original website no longer online)
