Slate Pleco - (Pseudancistrus genisetiger)

🐟 Slate Pleco – (Pseudancistrus genisetiger) – Rare South American Pleco

The Slate Pleco (Pseudancistrus genisetiger) is a rare and beautifully patterned Loricariid from South America, known for its slate-gray body covered with intricate lighter markings and its distinctive cheek odontodes. This species is a bottom-dwelling algae grazer and detritus feeder, thriving in well-oxygenated waters with plenty of hiding places.

Due to its scarcity in the aquarium trade and specialized care requirements, it’s a prized choice for dedicated pleco collectors and aquarists with established setups.

🔎 Quick Facts – Slate Pleco (Pseudancistrus genisetiger)

• 📛 Common Names: Slate Pleco
• 🔬 Scientific Name: Pseudancistrus genisetiger
• 🌍 Origin: South America – Guyana and surrounding river systems
• 🎨 Appearance: Slate-gray body with lighter reticulated patterns; bristly cheek odontodes
• 📏 Max Size: ~6–7 inches (15–18 cm)
• 💎 Rarity: Rare in the aquarium hobby

😇 Behavior & Temperament

• 🐟 Generally peaceful but may be territorial with similar plecos
• 🪵 Enjoys caves and shaded hiding spots
• 🌙 Mostly nocturnal, active during feeding times

🏠 Aquarium & Tank Requirements

• 📦 Minimum Tank Size: 40+ gallons
• 🪨 Provide caves, driftwood, and rocky shelters
• 🌊 Moderate to strong water flow
• 💡 Dim to moderate lighting

💧 Water Parameters – Slate Pleco Care

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

🍽️ Diet – Omnivorous with Herbivorous Leaning

• 🥬 Algae wafers and spirulina-based foods
• 🦐 Occasional frozen shrimp or bloodworms
• 🪵 Benefits from driftwood for grazing and digestive health
• 🐟 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.

📋 Slate Pleco Care Overview Table

✨ Highlight:

• The Slate Pleco is a rare South American Loricariid with a unique slate-gray patterned body, making it a prized find for pleco enthusiasts seeking something beyond the common species.