Rhinelepis strigosa

🐟 Rhinelepis strigosa – One of the Rarest Plecos in the World

The Rhinelepis strigosa is an extremely rare South American armored catfish that few aquarists have ever seen in person. Native to large rivers in Brazil, Paraguay, and Argentina, this species is part of the Rhinelepis genus, known for its heavy armor plating and broad, shovel-like head.

Its scarcity in the aquarium trade makes it one of the most coveted plecos for advanced collectors. Even rarer is the xanthic (golden) form, which is almost never seen outside of specialized facilities or private collections.

🔎 Quick Facts – Rhinelepis strigosa

• 📛 Common Name: None widely used; sometimes called Giant Armored Pleco
• 🔬 Scientific Name: Rhinelepis strigosa
• 🌍 Origin: Brazil, Paraguay, Argentina – Paraná and Paraguay River basins
• 🎨 Appearance: Large, heavily armored body with a dark brown to black coloration and distinctive plate structure
• 📏 Max Size: 20–24 inches (50–60 cm)
• 💎 Rarity: One of the rarest plecos in the world; xanthic form even rarer

😇 Behavior & Temperament

• 🐟 Peaceful but requires massive space
• 🪵 Spends most of its time resting on the substrate
• ⚡ Powerful swimmer when active
• 👫 Best kept singly or with other large, peaceful fish

🏠 Aquarium & Tank Requirements

• 📦 Minimum Tank Size: 300+ gallons
• 🪵 Fine sand or smooth gravel substrate to prevent abrasion
• 🌊 Requires strong filtration and moderate current
• 💡 Moderate lighting
• 🌿 Not a plant-damaging species but prefers open space over heavy vegetation

💧 Water Parameters – Rhinelepis strigosa Care

• 🌡️ Temperature: 74–82°F (23–28°C)
• ⚗️ pH: 6.5–7.8
• 💧 Hardness: Soft to moderately hard

🍽️ Diet – Omnivorous with Vegetarian Leaning

• 🌿 Algae wafers, spirulina pellets, and blanched vegetables
• 🦐 Occasional frozen shrimp, bloodworms, or fish-based pellets
• 🪵 May graze on biofilm and submerged wood surfaces

📋 Rhinelepis strigosa Care Overview Table

✨ Highlight:

• The Rhinelepis strigosa is a holy grail species for pleco collectors, not only for its massive size and armored appearance, but also for its extreme rarity—especially in the stunning golden xanthic form.