✈️ L235 Flyer Cat Pleco – (Pseudolithoxus anthrax) – Wild-Caught Orinoco Flat-Bodied Pleco

The L235 Flyer Cat Pleco (Pseudolithoxus anthrax), also known as the Flyer Pleco, Flat Flyer Pleco, or White-Spotted Flyer Cat, is a distinctive South American pleco known for its extremely flattened body, oversized wing-like pectoral fins, and charcoal-black body covered with bright white spots.

Its unusual body shape immediately separates it from many more familiar plecos.

A mature L235 has:

• A broad flattened head
• A very low body profile
• Exceptionally long pectoral fins
• Strong pectoral spines
• Dark charcoal to nearly black coloration
• Numerous small white or cream spots

When the pectoral fins are fully extended, they resemble a pair of wings, which is the reason this unusual pleco became known as the:

FLYER CAT

L235 originates from the:

RIO ORINOCO SYSTEM OF VENEZUELA

where it inhabits rocky, flowing, oxygen-rich freshwater environments.

Although the species was originally described in 2000 as Lasiancistrus anthrax, modern taxonomy places it in the genus:

Pseudolithoxus

The Flyer Cat is an omnivorous aufwuchs-grazing pleco with an important animal/insect component. It should receive both plant-based foods and protein-rich foods rather than being treated as either a strict herbivore or a strict carnivore.

This listing is for:

WILD-CAUGHT L235 FLYER CAT PLECOS

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🔎 Quick Facts – L235 Flyer Cat Pleco

• 📛 Common Name: Flyer Cat Pleco
• 📛 Other Names: Flyer Pleco, Flat Flyer Pleco, White-Spotted Flyer Cat
• 🔢 L-Number: L235
• 🔬 Scientific Name: Pseudolithoxus anthrax
• 📚 Older Scientific Name: Lasiancistrus anthrax
• 📅 Formally Described: 2000
• 🐟 Family: Loricariidae
• 🧬 Subfamily: Hypostominae
• 🌿 Stock: Wild Caught
• 📏 Current Size: Approximately 5–7 inches
• 🇻🇪 Country: Venezuela
• 🌊 Native Drainage: Rio Orinoco Basin
• 📍 Primary Range: Upper Orinoco and Orinoco tributaries
• 🌊 Additional Rivers: Rio Caura, Rio Aro, Rio Ventuari, Rio Atabapo
• 💧 Water Type: Freshwater
• 🪨 Habitat: Rocky, flowing, oxygen-rich river environments
• 📏 Scientific Maximum: 12.4 cm / approximately 4.9 inches standard length
• 📏 Adult Planning Size: Approximately 6–8 inches total length
• 🏠 Recommended Aquarium: 55 gallons or larger
• 👥 Multiple Adults: 75+ gallons with substantial bottom territory
• 📐 Aquarium Length: Approximately 4 feet or longer preferred
• 🌡️ Temperature: Approximately 77–85°F
• 💧 pH: Approximately 5.5–7.2
• 💦 Hardness: Soft to moderately mineralized
• 💨 Oxygenation: Very High
• 🌊 Water Movement: Strong
• 🍽️ Diet: Omnivorous Aufwuchs Grazer
• 🦐 Animal / Insect Foods: Important
• 🌿 Plant Foods: Important
• 🪵 Driftwood: Useful but not a specialized wood-eating species
• 🚫 Algae Cleaner: Should not be purchased solely for algae control
• 😌 Temperament: Generally peaceful toward midwater fish
• ⚠️ Pleco Temperament: Mature males may be territorial
• 🌙 Activity: Crepuscular / nocturnal, but established fish may be visible during the day
• 🥚 Breeding: Cave / Crevice Spawner
• 👨‍👧 Parental Care: Male guards the eggs
• ⭐ Care Level: Intermediate
• 🌎 Conservation Status: Near Threatened

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🧬 Valid Scientific Species

The currently accepted scientific name is:

Pseudolithoxus anthrax

The species was originally scientifically described in:

2000

as:

Lasiancistrus anthrax

Later taxonomic work showed that this group differed sufficiently from true Lasiancistrus, and the species was transferred to:

Pseudolithoxus

The current product identification should therefore be:

L235 Flyer Cat Pleco – (Pseudolithoxus anthrax)

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⚫ What Does anthrax Mean?

The species name:

anthrax

refers to its:

DARK COAL-LIKE COLORATION

The body is typically:

• Charcoal gray
• Deep gray
• Black
• Nearly jet black

covered with bright pale spotting.

The contrast can be dramatic on a healthy, fully acclimated specimen.

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✈️ Why Is It Called the Flyer Cat?

The most obvious characteristic of L235 is its enormous:

PECTORAL FINS

The pectoral spines and fins extend outward from the body like:

WINGS

giving the fish a remarkably broad appearance when viewed from above.

This characteristic inspired names such as:

• Flyer Cat
• Flyer Pleco
• Flat Flyer Pleco

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🛩️ Extremely Flattened Body

The L235 has a much flatter body than most common aquarium plecos.

Its body is:

• Broad
• Low
• Dorsoventrally compressed

This shape is an adaptation to life around:

ROCKS AND FLOWING WATER

A low body profile helps the fish remain close to surfaces where current pressure is reduced.

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🪨 Built for Flowing Water

The combination of:

• Flattened body
• Large pectoral fins
• Strong sucker mouth
• Powerful fin spines

allows the fish to maintain its position around rocky surfaces in moving water.

This is one reason proper:

CURRENT + OXYGENATION

are especially important for L235.

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🎨 Appearance

The body of Pseudolithoxus anthrax is normally:

• Dark charcoal
• Black-gray
• Deep brown-black
• Nearly black

with many contrasting:

• White spots
• Cream spots
• Pale yellow-white spots

distributed over the:

• Head
• Back
• Body
• Dorsal fin
• Pectoral fins
• Pelvic fins
• Tail

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⚪ White Spots

The spots are generally:

• Small
• Round
• Evenly distributed

and create a starry appearance over the dark fish.

Spot size can vary somewhat between individuals.

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⚠️ Caudal Fin Edge Is Important

One useful identification characteristic is that true:

Pseudolithoxus anthrax

does:

NOT HAVE A BRIGHT WHITE BAND AROUND THE EDGE OF THE CAUDAL FIN

The outer tail margin is generally dark and may contain few or no pale spots.

This helps distinguish L235 from certain similar Pseudolithoxus species.

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🆚 L235 vs. Pseudolithoxus nicoi

One of the species most commonly confused with L235 is:

Pseudolithoxus nicoi

Both are:

• Extremely flat
• Dark
• White-spotted
• Equipped with enormous pectoral fins

However:

L235 – Pseudolithoxus anthrax

Generally:

• Has numerous small white spots
• Lacks a strong white caudal-fin seam
• Comes primarily from the Orinoco system

Pseudolithoxus nicoi

Typically:

• Has somewhat larger/fewer spots
• Frequently develops a white caudal-fin edge
• Is especially associated with the Rio Casiquiare / upper Rio Negro connection region

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⚠️ White Fin Seams Need Careful Identification

If a supposed L235 develops a very strong:

WHITE CAUDAL FIN EDGE

its identity deserves closer examination.

It may be:

• Pseudolithoxus nicoi
• A related Pseudolithoxus
• An aquarium form historically labeled L235a

rather than typical P. anthrax.

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🔢 L235a Is Not the Same Thing

Aquarium Glaser imported a very similar flyer cat from the:

RIO NEGRO NEAR SÃO GABRIEL DA CACHOEIRA, BRAZIL

and provisionally called it:

L235a

Those fish differed from typical L235 by characteristics including:

• Larger pale spots toward the rear
• Pale or white fin seams

They should not automatically be assumed to represent true:

Pseudolithoxus anthrax

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⚠️ Preserve L235 Identification

For wild-caught Flyer Cats:

• Preserve supplier identification
• Preserve collection locality when known
• Do not automatically combine L235 with L235a
• Do not automatically combine L235 with P. nicoi

This is especially important for breeding records.

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🌎 Native Distribution

Pseudolithoxus anthrax is native to:

VENEZUELA

within the:

RIO ORINOCO BASIN

Scientific and specialist records include the:

• Main Rio Orinoco
• Upper Orinoco
• Rio Caura
• Rio Aro
• Rio Ventuari
• Rio Atabapo

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📍 Type Locality

The original type locality is from the:

RIO ORINOCO

in:

AMAZONAS STATE, VENEZUELA

near:

ISLA TEMBLADOR

The type specimens were collected from a backwater area behind a sand beach associated with the Orinoco.

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🌊 Broader Orinoco Range

Specialist records indicate L235 is relatively broadly distributed through portions of the upper Orinoco region.

This includes fish recorded from:

• Amazonas State
• Bolívar State
• Upper Orinoco tributaries
• Major rocky tributary systems

For the product page:

RIO ORINOCO BASIN – VENEZUELA

is the best concise origin.

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🪨 Natural Habitat

The Flyer Cat is strongly associated with:

ROCKY RIVER HABITAT

Natural environments contain:

• Large rocks
• Bedrock
• Rocky cracks
• Crevices
• Current-swept surfaces
• High dissolved oxygen

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🌊 Strong Current

The extremely flattened body gives a strong clue to how L235 should be kept.

This species is adapted to:

FLOWING WATER

and benefits from considerably more aquarium current than many typical community plecos.

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💨 Very High Oxygenation

Good oxygenation is one of the most important husbandry requirements.

Provide:

VERY HIGH DISSOLVED OXYGEN

using:

• Strong surface agitation
• Air stones
• Powerheads
• Circulation pumps
• Strong filter returns
• Sump returns

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🌡️ Warm Water + High Oxygen

L235 prefers relatively warm temperatures.

A practical range is:

77–85°F / 25–29°C

Warm water holds less oxygen than cool water.

Therefore:

THE WARMER THE WATER, THE MORE IMPORTANT AERATION BECOMES

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🌊 Aquarium Water Movement

Provide:

STRONG WATER MOVEMENT

but design the aquarium so the fish can still retreat behind:

• Rocks
• Caves
• Slate
• Wood

A proper river-style layout contains:

HIGH-FLOW AREAS + CURRENT BREAKS

rather than forcing the fish to fight maximum current everywhere.

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🪨 Aquarium Setup

A good L235 aquarium should contain:

• Large smooth rocks
• Flat stones
• Slate
• Rock piles
• Narrow crevices
• Low caves
• Driftwood
• Sand or smooth gravel
• Strong filtration
• Strong circulation
• Very high oxygenation

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🏠 Low, Flat Shelters

Because L235 has such a flattened body, it especially appreciates:

LOW, NARROW SHELTERS

Suitable hiding places include:

• Flat slate caves
• Rock cracks
• Low ceramic caves
• Tight crevices

A tall round cave designed for a bulky pleco may be less attractive than a:

LOW HORIZONTAL SHELTER

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🏠 Provide Multiple Shelters

When keeping more than one L235:

PROVIDE MORE HIDING PLACES THAN FISH

This gives mature males and subordinate fish room to avoid one another.

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📏 Adult Size – Important Correction

Your older listing uses:

4–5 INCHES

as the maximum size.

FishBase documents:

12.4 CM / APPROXIMATELY 4.9 INCHES STANDARD LENGTH

Standard length does:

NOT INCLUDE THE COMPLETE TAIL FIN

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📏 Specialist Adult Records

Long-established specialist L-number references place adult L235 around:

15–20 CM TOTAL LENGTH

or approximately:

6–8 INCHES

Your current wild specimens are already listed at:

5–7 INCHES

which also demonstrates why the old 4–5 inch maximum should be removed.

For responsible customer planning:

EXPECT APPROXIMATELY 6–8 INCHES TOTAL LENGTH

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🏠 Aquarium Size

Your existing:

30-GALLON

recommendation is possible for a smaller specimen but is not my preferred permanent recommendation.

For one adult:

55 GALLONS OR LARGER

is a better long-term starting point.

For:

• Multiple adults
• Breeding groups
• Other bottom dwellers

consider:

75+ GALLONS

with substantial floor area.

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📐 Aquarium Length Matters

Specialist references recommend tanks around:

100–120 CM / APPROXIMATELY 40–48 INCHES LONG

for mature fish.

For Jason's product page, I would encourage:

A 4-FOOT AQUARIUM OR LARGER

for a mature specimen whenever possible.

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💧 Water Parameters

A practical long-term range is:

• 🌡️ Temperature: 77–85°F
• 💧 pH: Approximately 5.5–7.2
• 💦 Hardness: Soft to moderately mineralized
• 💨 Oxygenation: Very High
• 🌊 Current: Strong
• ☠️ Ammonia: 0 ppm
• ☠️ Nitrite: 0 ppm
• 🔄 Nitrate: Keep low

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⚠️ Water Quality Matters

This is not a pleco I would recommend for poorly maintained aquariums.

L235 benefits from:

• Clean water
• Low organic waste
• High oxygen
• Stable temperatures
• Regular water changes

Avoid:

• Stagnant water
• Dirty substrate
• Low oxygen
• Excessive nitrate

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💩 Filtration

Use strong:

• Mechanical filtration
• Biological filtration
• Circulation

Suitable systems may include:

• Canister filters
• Sump filtration
• Powerheads
• Supplemental sponge filters

The filtration system should be capable of maintaining:

CLEAN, FAST-MOVING, HIGHLY OXYGENATED WATER

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🍽️ Diet – Omnivorous Aufwuchs Grazer

The old page describes L235 simply as:

OMNIVOROUS

which is broadly correct, but we can be more specific.

The safest description is:

OMNIVOROUS AUFWUCHS GRAZER

with substantial:

• Animal/insect foods
• Prepared sinking foods

and regular:

• Plant-based foods
• Algae-containing foods

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🔬 What Is Aufwuchs?

Aufwuchs is the mixed biological layer growing on submerged rocks and other surfaces.

It can contain:

• Algae
• Biofilm
• Bacteria
• Detritus
• Microorganisms
• Tiny invertebrates
• Insect larvae

L235 grazes this complex natural food source rather than fitting neatly into a strict:

• Herbivore

or:

• Carnivore

category.

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🦐 Animal & Insect Foods

Specialist keepers report excellent acceptance of:

• Bloodworms
• Mosquito larvae
• Brine shrimp
• Mysis shrimp
• Insect-based foods
• Chopped shrimp
• Quality sinking omnivore tablets
• Quality carnivore-oriented sinking foods

Animal foods can make up a substantial portion of the captive diet.

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🌿 Plant Foods

Regular plant-based foods should also be offered.

Suitable foods include:

• Spirulina wafers
• Algae-containing wafers
• Vegetable-based sinking foods
• Zucchini
• Squash
• Green beans
• Quality gel foods

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⚖️ Balanced Feeding

The best long-term approach is:

ANIMAL / INSECT FOODS + PLANT FOODS + AUFWUCHS / BIOFILM

rather than maintaining the fish on only:

• Algae wafers

or only:

• Meat-heavy carnivore foods

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🪵 Driftwood

Driftwood may be included and can provide:

• Shelter
• Biofilm
• Grazing surfaces
• Shade
• Territory

Some specialist keepers report that L235 will rasp softer wood.

However:

L235 IS NOT A SPECIALIZED WOOD-EATING PLECO

like:

• Panaque
• Panaqolus

Do not claim that wood is required specifically for digestion.

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🚫 Not Just an Algae Cleaner

L235 should:

NOT BE PURCHASED SOLELY FOR ALGAE CONTROL

It may graze algae-containing surfaces but requires intentional feeding.

Aquarium algae alone is not a complete diet.

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☀️ More Visible Than Many Plecos

Although L235 is primarily:

CREPUSCULAR / NOCTURNAL

established fish can sometimes be surprisingly active during daylight.

Specialist keepers have reported fish:

• Leaving shelters during the day
• Resting openly on rocks
• Watching activity outside the aquarium
• Exploring before feeding

Provide shaded areas so the fish feels comfortable enough to emerge.

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🧪 Wild-Caught Acclimation

This listing is for:

WILD-CAUGHT L235 FLYER CAT PLECOS

Wild fish deserve careful acclimation.

After arrival:

• Provide immediate rocky shelter
• Maintain very high oxygen
• Keep lighting subdued
• Avoid abrupt temperature changes
• Avoid abrupt pH changes
• Maintain excellent water quality
• Confirm feeding

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🍽️ Confirm Feeding

A newly imported fish may remain hidden while faster tankmates consume the food.

Feed:

• Near caves
• Near rockwork
• At dusk
• After lights dim
• In several locations

Monitor for:

• Sunken abdomen
• Weak body condition
• Persistent refusal to eat

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😌 Temperament

L235 is generally:

PEACEFUL TOWARD MIDWATER FISH

and can coexist with many appropriately chosen community species.

Possible tankmates include fish that tolerate:

• Warm temperatures
• Strong oxygenation
• Moving water

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⚠️ Territorial With Other Plecos

Mature L235 may become territorial toward:

• Other L235
• Similar Pseudolithoxus
• Other bottom-dwelling plecos

especially around preferred shelters.

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⚔️ Pectoral Spines Are Powerful

The enormous pectoral fins are not only decorative.

Mature fish have strong:

PECTORAL SPINES

and males develop prominent:

ODONTODES

along these structures.

Territorial contact between adults can therefore cause injury when space is inadequate.

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♂️ Male vs. Female

Sex differences become clearer in mature specimens.

Mature Males

Typically develop:

• Longer pectoral-fin odontodes
• Heavier odontode development
• Broader head profile
• Stronger shelter territoriality

Mature Females

Generally show:

• Narrower head
• Broader body
• Fuller abdomen when carrying eggs
• Shorter pectoral odontodes

Viewing adults:

FROM ABOVE

is especially useful when comparing body shape.

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🥚 Captive Breeding – Documented

Some older care guides state:

NO CAPTIVE BREEDING HAS BEEN REPORTED

However, more detailed specialist L-number records document that:

L235 HAS BEEN BRED IN CAPTIVITY MULTIPLE TIMES

It should therefore be described as a:

DOCUMENTED CAVE / CREVICE SPAWNER

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🏠 Breeding Shelters

L235 appears to prefer:

LOW, FLAT BREEDING CAVES

Suitable options include:

• Flat ceramic caves
• Slate caves
• Tight rock crevices

This matches the fish's extremely flattened natural body shape.

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🥚 Egg Placement

Specialist breeding observations have found egg clutches:

ATTACHED TO THE CEILING OF THE CAVE

or sheltered within rock-like crevices.

This is an interesting difference from the more familiar appearance of some Hypancistrus spawning sites.

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👨‍👧 Male Parental Care

As with many cave-spawning loricariids:

THE MALE GUARDS THE CLUTCH

and remains with the developing eggs.

He helps:

• Protect the eggs
• Maintain water movement
• Guard the breeding shelter

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👶 Raising Fry

Young L235 have been successfully raised using foods such as:

• Artemia / baby brine shrimp
• Fine powdered foods
• Fine sinking foods

while maintaining:

VERY HIGH WATER QUALITY

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⚠️ Breeding Is Not Common

Although documented:

L235 IS NOT A COMMONLY MASS-PRODUCED AQUARIUM PLECO

Breeding should still be considered an:

INTERMEDIATE TO ADVANCED PROJECT

requiring:

• Mature compatible adults
• Proper flat shelters
• Excellent oxygenation
• Strong water quality
• Appropriate conditioning

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🧬 Keep Similar Flyer Cats Separate

Several Pseudolithoxus can appear extremely similar.

Do not mix breeding lines of:

• Pseudolithoxus anthrax
• Pseudolithoxus nicoi
• L235a-type fish
• Other unidentified Pseudolithoxus

and later sell offspring as pure L235.

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🌎 Conservation Status

Pseudolithoxus anthrax is currently classified as:

NEAR THREATENED

The assessment category is:

NT – B2b(iii)

and the global assessment dates to:

2019

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⚠️ Why Near Threatened?

The assessment reflects concerns involving:

• Restricted area of occupancy
• Freshwater habitat alteration
• Declining habitat quality in portions of its range

This does not mean the species is currently listed as Endangered, but it is:

NOT LEAST CONCERN

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🧬 Wild-Caught Responsibility

Because this listing is for:

WILD-CAUGHT FISH

responsible permanent care is especially important.

Aquarists should:

• Provide appropriate long-term housing
• Maintain excellent water quality
• Avoid preventable losses
• Consider captive breeding when possible
• Never release fish into the environment

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⭐ Why Keep an L235 Flyer Cat Pleco?

The L235 combines:

• ✈️ Huge wing-like pectoral fins
• ⚫ Coal-black body coloration
• ⚪ Bright white spotting
• 🛩️ Extremely flattened body shape
• 🌊 Orinoco River origin
• 🪨 High-flow river adaptation
• 💨 Strong oxygen requirement
• 📏 Approximately 6–8 inch adult potential
• 🍽️ Interesting mixed aufwuchs diet
• 🥚 Documented captive breeding
• 👨‍👧 Male parental care
• 🌎 Near Threatened conservation status

into one of the most unusual plecos available in the aquarium hobby.

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⚠️ Important Considerations

Before purchasing an L235 Flyer Cat Pleco:

• The correct scientific name is Pseudolithoxus anthrax.
• The species was originally described as Lasiancistrus anthrax.
• L235 originates from the Rio Orinoco system of Venezuela.
• Scientific records include the Caura and Aro rivers.
• Specialist records also include the Ventuari and Atabapo regions.
• The species has an extremely flattened body.
• Its oversized pectoral fins give it the Flyer Cat name.
• True L235 generally lacks a bright white seam on the caudal fin.
• Do not confuse L235 with Pseudolithoxus nicoi.
• Do not automatically treat L235a as the same fish.
• This listing is for wild-caught fish.
• FishBase documents 12.4 cm standard length before the tail.
• Specialist records place adults around 15–20 cm total length.
• Plan for approximately 6–8 inches.
• Provide approximately 55 gallons or larger.
• Use larger aquariums for multiple adults.
• Provide substantial bottom area.
• Provide low, flat caves and rock crevices.
• Maintain approximately 77–85°F.
• Maintain very high dissolved oxygen.
• Provide strong water movement.
• Keep ammonia and nitrite at zero.
• Keep nitrate low.
• Feed a varied omnivorous diet.
• Provide regular animal and insect foods.
• Include plant-based foods.
• Do not maintain L235 only on algae wafers.
• Do not maintain it exclusively on heavy meat foods.
• Do not purchase it simply as an algae cleaner.
• Driftwood can be useful but L235 is not a specialized wood eater.
• Mature males develop strong pectoral odontodes.
• Captive cave / crevice spawning has been documented.
• Males guard the eggs.
• The species is currently Near Threatened.
• Never release aquarium fish into natural waterways.

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🧬 Taxonomy

The currently accepted scientific name is:

Pseudolithoxus anthrax (Armbruster & Provenzano, 2000)

Classification:

• Order: Siluriformes
• Family: Loricariidae
• Subfamily: Hypostominae
• Tribe: Ancistrini
• Genus: Pseudolithoxus
• Species: anthrax
• L-Number: L235

Original scientific combination:

Lasiancistrus anthrax

For this product, use:

L235 Flyer Cat Pleco – (Pseudolithoxus anthrax)

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🔢 L235 Identification Disclaimer

Several white-spotted Flyer Cats can look similar.

True L235 Pseudolithoxus anthrax should be kept separate from:

• Pseudolithoxus nicoi
• L235a-type Rio Negro fish
• Other unidentified Pseudolithoxus

Useful identification features include:

• Spot pattern
• Tail-fin edging
• Body shape
• Collection locality
• Supplier identification

Preserve accurate records when breeding or reselling wild-origin fish.

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🚚 Live Fish Shipping

Live fish are professionally packed for safe transport.

Shipping availability depends on:

• Fish size
• Destination
• Weather conditions
• Carrier availability
• Applicable state and local regulations

Extra care should be taken with larger L235 because of their:

• Extremely long pectoral fins
• Strong pectoral spines
• Odontodes
• Flattened armored body

Large specimens may be safer to transfer using a:

• Rigid container
• Large fish bag
• Appropriate fish tub

rather than a fine aquarium net that could snag their spines.

Please review our Shipping & Payment Information and Live Arrival Guarantee / DOA Policy before ordering.

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⚠️ Buyer Responsibility

Customers are responsible for confirming that Pseudolithoxus anthrax may legally be purchased, possessed, transported, and received in their state or local jurisdiction before ordering.

Never release aquarium fish into natural waterways.