Polka Dot Lyre Tail Pleco - (Acanthicus adonis)

🐟 Polka Dot Lyre Tail Pleco – (Acanthicus adonis) – Striking South American Pleco for Sale

The Polka Dot Lyre Tail Pleco (Acanthicus adonis), also known simply as the Adonis Pleco, is a large, eye-catching pleco species from South America, recognized for its jet-black body covered in bright white polka dots and its distinctive elongated lyre-shaped tail. Juveniles display bold white spotting across the entire body and fins, which may fade as the fish matures into a more uniform dark coloration.

These plecos can reach 40 inches or more, making them the longest of all plecos, possibly tied with the Hystrix Pleco (Acanthicus hystrix). Their size, power, and territorial behavior mean they are best suited for experienced aquarists with extremely large aquariums.

🔎 Quick Facts – Polka Dot Lyre Tail Pleco (Acanthicus adonis)

• 📛 Common Names: Polka Dot Lyre Tail Pleco, Adonis Pleco
• 🔬 Scientific Name: Acanthicus adonis
• 🌍 Origin: South America – Amazon Basin
• 🎨 Appearance: Black body with white polka dots (more vivid in juveniles), long lyre-shaped tail
• 📏 Max Size: 40+ inches (100+ cm) – longest of all plecos, possibly tied with Hystrix Pleco
• 💎 Availability: Occasionally available; wild-caught and captive-bred

😇 Behavior & Temperament

• ⚠️ Territorial and semi-aggressive, especially with other large bottom dwellers
• 🐟 Requires a lot of space and hiding areas
• 🌊 Strong, active swimmer
• 🧠 Hardy but demanding due to size and behavior

🏠 Aquarium & Tank Requirements

• 📦 Minimum Tank Size: 300+ gallons for a juvenile; much larger for an adult
• 🌿 Smooth rocks and driftwood for cover
• 🪵 Large open swimming areas and strong water flow
• 💡 Moderate lighting to highlight patterns
• 🌊 Heavy-duty filtration to handle high waste production

💧 Water Parameters – Polka Dot Lyre Tail Pleco Care

• 🌡️ Temperature: 75–82°F (24–28°C)
• ⚗️ pH: 6.5–7.5
• 💧 Hardness: Soft to moderately hard water

🍽️ Diet – Omnivorous with Protein Preference

• 🌾 Algae wafers and sinking carnivore pellets
• 🦐 Shrimp, mussels, and other meaty foods
• 🥬 Fresh vegetables such as zucchini and cucumber

📋 Polka Dot Lyre Tail Pleco Care Overview Table

✨ Highlight:

• The Polka Dot Lyre Tail Pleco is a massive, stunning pleco that holds the record as the longest of all plecos—possibly tied with the Hystrix Pleco—making it a true showpiece for the largest aquariums in the hobby.