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
• 🐟 Give your fish the best with the same high-quality nutrition we use every day! 🐟 At Jason’s Plecos & Cichlids, we feed a balanced mix of protein-rich and vegetable-based fish foods to keep our plecos, cichlids, and other tropical fish healthy, active, and thriving. These premium fish foods are specially formulated to enhance natural color, promote strong growth, and support long-term health—making them a trusted choice for aquarium hobbyists worldwide.
  • Fluval Bug Bites Pleco Formula
  • Fluval Bug Bites Tropical
  • Hikari Massivore Delight
  • Hikari Massivore Delight
• 🐟 By purchasing through these links, you not only provide your fish with top-quality nutrition but also help support our mission to bring hobbyists the best in fish care. ✨ Click the links above to shop now and give your fish the nutrition they deserve! We earn a small commission for each sale.

📋 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.