Peckoltia sp.

Big Spot Peckoltia, L163

Classification

Loricariidae

Distribution

So far it’s only been collected from the Rio Pará in the Brazilian Amazon.

Habitat

No specific data is available.

Maximum Standard Length

4.4″ (11cm).

Aquarium SizeTop ↑

A 30″ x 12″ x 12″ (75cm x 30cm x 30cm) – 67.5 litres is easily big enough to hold one or two of these.

Maintenance

It does well in a stream-type setup with a gravel or sand substrate, rounded stones, rocks, water worn wood and a high level of flow. Live plants tend not to do so well under these conditions, although some of the tougher varieties such as Vallisneria and Anubias sp., java fern (Microsorum pteropus)or java moss (Vesicularia dubyana) should be ok.

You can also keep this species in a more general set-up, provided the water is clean and well-oxygenated.

Water Conditions

Temperature: 73 – 79°F (23 – 26°C)

pH: 6.5 – 7.2

Hardness: 5 – 12°H

Diet

It is omnivorous and should be offered a varied diet. Alternate sinking dried foods with vegetable matter such as blanched spinach or Spirulina and live and frozen stuff such as bloodworm or Daphnia. Some specimens also develop a taste for the leaves of softer-leaved aquarium plants.

Behaviour and CompatibilityTop ↑

A good choice for the community tank, being both attractive and of manageable size. It can be kept with most peaceful species, but we prefer it to see it in a South American set-up with characins, peaceful cichlids and catfish such as Corydoras and other Loricariids. If you’re keeping more than one, ensure each has it’s own refuge and expect some territorial confrontations.

Sexual Dimorphism

Unknown.

Reproduction

Unreported in the hobby.

NotesTop ↑

Commonly known as the big spot peckoltia, there is ongoing argument that this species should be included in the genus Hemiancistrus. As things stand, there has not yet been any scientific confirmation of this and the species remains undescribed. It’s also often confused with the very similar-looking L013, another undescribed fish. These two species can only easily be distinguished as they mature, as L163 retains its spotted patterning, while L013 tends to become somewhat duller.

When buying this fish check that it has a rounded belly and that its eyes aren’t sunken. These are classic signs of emaciation in newly imported Loricariids, and fish in this condition do not often survive for long.