Peckoltia Pleco | Peckoltia vittata
Choose the aquarium for the adult animal and its companions. A mature filter and stable, species-appropriate water conditions are essential.
At a Glance
| Origin & natural habitat |
Confirm the precise species and natural range with our aquatic team. |
| Adult size |
Around 12–15 cm. |
| Temperament |
May defend cave territory |
| Activity |
Use a consistent light/dark cycle with sheltered resting places. |
| Social needs |
Choose companions sharing its adult size, water conditions and behaviour. |
Housing & Setup
Enclosure dimensions are length × depth × height unless stated otherwise. Plan for the adult animal; larger, suitably furnished housing is encouraged.
| Adult housing |
Adult planning recommendation: 120 litres; floor around 90 × 40 cm. |
| Enclosure type |
Mature freshwater aquarium, unless a different water type is specified below. |
| Temperature |
24–28°C |
| Water chemistry |
pH 6.0–7.5; soft to moderate hardness. |
| Substrate |
Species-appropriate sand or smooth gravel; avoid sharp material around bottom-dwelling fish. |
| Furnishings & filtration |
Wood and multiple caves in clean, oxygenated water |
Behaviour & Compatibility
May defend cave territory Check every proposed companion with our aquatic team and allow extra territory for breeding fish.
Feeding & Nutrition
Sinking omnivore foods and supplemental vegetable matter. Feed measured portions and remove leftovers to protect water quality. Feed measured portions rather than allowing food to accumulate; juveniles may need smaller, more frequent meals. Make sure bottom-dwelling or shy animals receive their share.
Routine Care
Check appetite, breathing, equipment and water temperature daily. Test water regularly; ammonia and nitrite must remain at zero. Make regular partial water changes using conditioned, temperature-matched water. Rinse biological filter media in removed tank water, preserving the filter bacteria.
Important Before Buying
Cycle the aquarium before collection. Confirm the current food and water conditions with our aquatic team and acclimatise gradually. Sale size is not adult size; stocking and filtration must account for the full-grown animal.
Photograph: Gabriel Lelis Togni, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 3.0.
Live Animals Are Click & Collect Only
We do not ship live animals. Order online and wait for confirmation that your animal is ready before collecting from Newlands Home and Garden Centre, Clondalkin, Dublin 22. Have the enclosure prepared and its conditions checked before collection.
