L056 Black Gudgeon Pleco - (Pseudancistrus sp.)

🐟 L056 Black Gudgeon Pleco (Pseudancistrus sp.)

The L056 Black Gudgeon Pleco is a striking armored catfish species characterized by its dark body and bold markings, native to South American rivers. Unlike some similar species, this pleco does not change colors throughout its life.

⚠️ Important Clarification:

• L056 is often mistakenly confused with the Chubby Pleco (Parancistrus aurantiacus), which does change colors and does not have an L number.
• There is no such thing as L056Y — a label sometimes used online to suggest a color-changing variant of L056.
• This confusion is widespread on the internet and exacerbated by exporters mislabeling Chubby Pleco as L056, which leads to misinformation.

🔍 Quick Facts

• 🧬 Scientific Name: Pseudancistrus sp.
• 🏷️ Common Name: L056 Black Gudgeon Pleco
• 🌍 Origin: South America
• 📏 Max Size: 5–6 inches (12–15 cm)
• 🧪 Lifespan: 8–10 years

🕊️ Behavior & Temperament

• 🐟 Peaceful but may show mild territoriality with similar species
• 🪵 Prefers caves, rocks, and driftwood for shelter
• 🌙 Nocturnal and bottom-dwelling

🏡 Tank Requirements

• 🛁 Minimum Tank Size: 30 gallons
• 💨 Moderate water flow and excellent filtration
• 🌡️ Temperature: 74–80°F (23–27°C)
• ⚗️ pH: 6.5–7.5
• 💧 Soft to moderately hard water

🍽️ Diet

• 🥬 Omnivorous: algae wafers, blanched vegetables, occasional protein treats
• 🪵 Driftwood appreciated but not essential

📊 Overview Table

📝 Snippet
The L056 Black Gudgeon Pleco (Pseudancistrus sp.) is a peaceful, visually striking species that does not change colors and thrives in well-maintained aquariums with moderate water flow and plenty of hiding places. Beware of misinformation confusing it with the Chubby Pleco (Parancistrus aurantiacus), which does change colors but is not an L-number species.