🐆 L075 Para Pleco – (Peckoltia sabaji) – Wild-Caught Spotted South American Pleco

The L075 Para Pleco (Peckoltia sabaji) is a striking medium-to-large armored catfish known for its distinctive pattern of small dark spots across the head that gradually become much larger toward the body, caudal peduncle, and tail.

Depending on the individual, the background coloration may range from:

• Golden yellow
• Mustard yellow
• Tan
• Beige
• Light brown

while the markings range from:

• Dark brown
• Chocolate brown
• Nearly black

The fins may develop attractive:

• Yellow
• Gold
• Orange-yellow
• Bronze

coloration surrounding the dark spots.

One of the most characteristic features of Peckoltia sabaji is that the spots:

Increase in Size From the Head Toward the Tail

The head may be covered with dozens of relatively small spots, while the rear half of the body and caudal fin can develop much larger dark blotches.

L075 is a substantial pleco that can reach approximately:

8–10 Inches Total Length

and requires considerably more permanent aquarium space than the 4–6 inch juveniles commonly offered for sale.

It is an omnivore that should receive a varied diet containing:

• Quality sinking pleco foods
• Vegetable matter
• Algae-based foods
• Frozen invertebrates
• Insect-based foods
• Appropriate animal protein

The Para Pleco is generally peaceful toward midwater fish but can become territorial toward other large bottom dwellers, especially around preferred shelters and breeding caves.

This listing is for:

WILD-CAUGHT L075 PARA PLECOS

Current specimens are approximately:

5–6 INCHES

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🔎 Quick Facts – L075 Para Pleco

• 📛 Common Name: Para Pleco
• 📛 Other Names: Sabaji Pleco, Leopard-type Para Pleco
• 🔢 L-Number: L075 / L75
• 🔢 Related Aquarium Numbers: L124, L301, LDA002
• 🔬 Scientific Name: Peckoltia sabaji
• 📅 Formally Described: 2003
• 🐟 Family: Loricariidae
• 🧬 Subfamily: Hypostominae
• 🌿 Stock: Wild Caught
• 📏 Current Size: Approximately 5–6 inches
• 🌎 Origin: South America
• 🇬🇾 Confirmed Range: Guyana – Rupununi, Essequibo and Takutu drainages
• 🇻🇪 Confirmed Range: Venezuela – Casiquiare/Rio Negro and Orinoco-associated drainages
• 🌊 Habitat: Medium to large rivers with rocks, boulders, runs and riffles
• 💧 Water Type: Freshwater
• 📏 Scientific Maximum: Approximately 19.8 cm / 7.8 inches standard length
• 📏 Adult Planning Size: Approximately 8–10 inches total length
• 🏠 Recommended Aquarium: 75 gallons or larger
• 👥 Multiple Adults: 90–125+ gallons depending on available bottom territory
• 🌡️ Temperature: Approximately 79–86°F
• 💧 pH: Approximately 6.0–7.5
• 💦 Water: Soft to moderately mineralized
• 💨 Oxygenation: High
• 🌊 Water Movement: Moderate
• 🍽️ Diet: Omnivore
• 🌿 Plant Foods: Important
• 🦐 Animal / Insect Protein: Important as part of a varied diet
• 🚫 Algae Cleaner: Should not be purchased solely for algae control
• 😌 Temperament: Generally peaceful; territorial behavior may occur with other plecos
• 🌙 Activity: Primarily nocturnal / crepuscular
• 🐠 Swimming Area: Bottom
• 🥚 Breeding: Cave Spawner
• 👨‍👩‍👧 Parental Care: Male guards the eggs
• ⭐ Care Level: Intermediate
• 🌎 Conservation Status: Least Concern

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🧬 A Formally Described Species

L075 was known in the aquarium hobby before receiving a formal scientific species name.

In:

2003

Jonathan W. Armbruster formally described the species as:

Peckoltia sabaji

The description was based on specimens from the:

• Essequibo drainage
• Rio Negro region
• Orinoco drainage

within the Guyana Shield of Guyana and Venezuela.

The correct product identification is:

L075 Para Pleco – (Peckoltia sabaji)

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👨‍🔬 What Does “sabaji” Mean?

The species name:

sabaji

honors ichthyologist:

Dr. Mark Henry Sabaj Pérez

in recognition of his extensive contributions to:

• South American ichthyology
• Catfish research
• Museum collections
• Loricariid identification

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🧬 Taxonomy Has Been Confusing

The Para Pleco has moved through several different genera in aquarium and scientific literature.

You may encounter:

• Peckoltia sabaji
• Hemiancistrus sabaji
• Ancistomus sabaji
• Older Ancistrus references

Current FishBase usage lists:

Peckoltia sabaji

while noting that:

Ancistomus

is still used within parts of the aquarium community.

For this product page, I recommend continuing to use:

Peckoltia sabaji

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🔢 L075, L124, L301 & LDA002

The Para Pleco has historically received several aquarium identification numbers.

These include:

• L075
• L124
• L301
• LDA002

These numbers originated from fish collected or imported from different locations before the species' identity was fully understood.

The forms could not reliably be separated by external morphology and have generally been associated with:

Peckoltia sabaji

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⚠️ Keep the L075 Identification

Even though several L-numbers are associated with the same scientific species, the original aquarium number remains useful.

For this fish, continue using:

L075

because it identifies the aquarium-trade form being sold.

When breeding or maintaining locality-specific fish, preserve:

• L-number
• Supplier identification
• Collection locality when known
• Breeder-line information

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🌎 Distribution – Important Clarification

The scientifically confirmed distribution of Peckoltia sabaji includes:

Guyana and Venezuela

Important drainage systems include:

Guyana

• Rupununi River
• Essequibo River
• Takutu River

Venezuela

• Casiquiare system
• Rio Negro drainage
• Cinaruco River
• Orinoco drainage

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🇧🇷 Why Is It Called the Para Pleco?

The aquarium name:

Para Pleco

comes from the history of L075-type fish within the South American ornamental-fish trade.

Aquarium literature has historically associated L075-type forms with areas of:

• Pará, Brazil
• Rio do Pará
• Tapajós region
• Curuá-Una region

However, the formally confirmed scientific distribution of Peckoltia sabaji in current FishBase records is:

Guyana and Venezuela

Because aquarium L-number populations and scientific species boundaries have a complicated history, exact collection locality should only be advertised when it is known from supplier records.

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⚠️ Do Not Guess the Collection Locality

For wild-caught L-number fish:

Specific Locality Information Is Valuable

but only when documented.

Do not automatically advertise every L075 as coming from:

• Rio Negro
• Rio Orinoco
• Rio Tapajós
• Pará

unless the supplier provides that information.

The safest general origin is:

Northern South America / Guyana Shield Region

with exact locality preserved when known.

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🐆 Appearance

The Para Pleco has a very distinctive spotted pattern.

Typical background coloration includes:

• Mustard yellow
• Golden yellow
• Beige
• Tan
• Light brown
• Olive-brown

covered with:

Dark Brown to Black Spots

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🔍 Spots Change Size Across the Body

The pattern is one of the best identification characteristics.

Head

The head typically displays:

Numerous Small Dark Spots

Middle Body

The spots gradually become:

Larger

Rear Body & Tail

The spots become:

Very Large Dark Blotches

especially on the:

• Caudal peduncle
• Caudal fin

This progressive increase in spot size was specifically used in the scientific description of the species.

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🎨 Color Varies Between Individuals

Different specimens may appear:

• Bright golden yellow
• Mustard
• Beige
• Olive
• Light brown

The fins may appear:

• Yellow
• Gold
• Orange-yellow
• Tan

Coloration can change according to:

• Locality
• Genetics
• Age
• Mood
• Stress
• Lighting
• Substrate
• Diet
• Water quality

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⚠️ Color & Pattern Disclaimer

Exact adult coloration cannot be guaranteed.

Wild L075s may differ considerably in:

• Background color
• Spot size
• Spot density
• Amount of yellow
• Amount of orange
• Tail markings

The actual fish being purchased is always the best representation of its current appearance.

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📏 Adult Size

Your older page substantially underestimated the adult size of this fish.

FishBase documents Peckoltia sabaji reaching:

19.8 cm / Approximately 7.8 Inches STANDARD LENGTH

Standard length does:

NOT INCLUDE THE FULL TAIL FIN

Therefore, an adult can reach approximately:

8–10 Inches Total Length

For customer planning:

EXPECT APPROXIMATELY 8–10 INCHES

rather than a 5-inch maximum.

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🚨 Current Size Is Not Adult Size

The specimens currently offered are approximately:

5–6 Inches

These fish are not necessarily finished growing.

A mature L075 becomes a substantial pleco with:

• Large body mass
• Strong pectoral fins
• Heavy armor
• Significant waste production
• Territorial requirements

Plan permanent housing accordingly.

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🏠 Aquarium Size

For one adult L075:

75 Gallons or Larger

is recommended.

For:

• Several L075s
• Other large plecos
• Additional substantial bottom dwellers

I recommend approximately:

90–125+ Gallons

depending on the aquarium footprint and available territories.

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📐 Bottom Area Matters

Aquarium:

LENGTH + WIDTH

matter more than excessive height for this species.

A larger bottom footprint provides:

• More caves
• More feeding areas
• More visual barriers
• More grazing surfaces
• Better separation between plecos

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🌊 Natural Habitat

Wild Peckoltia sabaji live primarily in:

Medium to Large Rivers

and are strongly associated with:

• Boulders
• Rocks
• Runs
• Riffles
• Exposed rocky areas

Smaller specimens have also been found hiding in:

Holes Within Lateritic Rock

in quieter pools.

Most specimens in the original scientific observations were collected:

At Night

which matches their nocturnal aquarium behavior.

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🌊 Water Movement

Provide:

Moderate Water Movement

with good circulation throughout the aquarium.

Higher-flow areas are useful around:

• Rocks
• Caves
• Feeding areas

but the entire aquarium does not need extreme current.

Provide quieter areas where the fish can rest behind:

• Rocks
• Wood
• Caves

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💨 High Oxygenation

A Para Pleco aquarium should have:

HIGH DISSOLVED OXYGEN

Recommended methods include:

• Strong surface agitation
• Powerful filter returns
• Air stones
• Powerheads
• Sump filtration
• Additional circulation

This becomes particularly important at the upper end of the recommended temperature range.

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🌡️ Temperature

The older page recommends approximately:

75–82°F

I would move this warmer.

A more appropriate long-term range is:

79–86°F / 26–30°C

This matches specialist care references for Peckoltia sabaji.

At higher temperatures:

Increase Oxygenation

because warm water holds less dissolved oxygen.

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💧 Water Parameters

A practical aquarium range is:

• 🌡️ Temperature: 79–86°F
• 💧 pH: Approximately 6.0–7.5
• 💦 Hardness: Soft to moderately mineralized
• 💨 Oxygenation: High
• 🌊 Flow: Moderate
• ☠️ Ammonia: 0 ppm
• ☠️ Nitrite: 0 ppm
• 🔄 Nitrate: Keep as low as reasonably practical

Stable water quality is particularly important with wild-caught fish.

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🪨 Aquarium Setup

Recommended aquarium features include:

• Smooth rocks
• Large caves
• Slate
• Driftwood
• Rock crevices
• Sand or smooth gravel
• Shaded areas
• Open feeding areas
• Strong filtration
• Good circulation
• High oxygenation

Provide enough structure for the fish to completely retreat from view.

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🏠 Multiple Shelters

When keeping more than one substantial pleco:

PROVIDE MORE SHELTERS THAN FISH

Suitable shelters include:

• Ceramic pleco caves
• Slate caves
• Rock cavities
• Driftwood overhangs
• Large one-ended tubes

This reduces competition over preferred hiding areas.

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🪵 Driftwood

Driftwood is recommended because it provides:

• Shelter
• Shade
• Biofilm
• Grazing surfaces
• Territory boundaries

However:

L075 Is Not a Specialized Wood-Eating Pleco

It should not be treated like:

• Panaque
• Panaqolus

Wood is valuable habitat but should not be considered its primary food.

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💩 Filtration

An adult 8–10 inch pleco produces a substantial amount of waste.

Strong filtration is recommended.

Suitable filtration includes:

• Large canister filters
• Sump filtration
• High-capacity biological media
• Strong mechanical filtration
• Supplemental circulation

Regular partial water changes should be part of routine care.

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🍽️ Diet – True Omnivore

The L075 Para Pleco is best described as a:

VARIED OMNIVORE

It should receive both:

🌿 Plant-Based Foods

and:

🦐 Animal / Insect-Based Foods

rather than being maintained exclusively on either one.

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🌿 Plant-Based Foods

Suitable options include:

• Quality algae wafers
• Spirulina wafers
• Vegetable-based catfish pellets
• Zucchini
• Squash
• Cucumber
• Green beans
• Blanched spinach
• Kale
• Quality gel foods

Plant material should remain a regular part of the diet.

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🦐 Protein Foods

Suitable protein foods include:

• Mysis shrimp
• Brine shrimp
• Mosquito larvae
• Bloodworms
• Krill
• Chopped shrimp
• Insect-based sinking pellets
• Quality omnivore pellets

Protein is especially useful for:

• Growth
• Conditioning
• Breeding adults

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⚖️ Variety Is More Important Than One Food

There is disagreement among aquarium references over whether this species leans somewhat more toward:

• Plant material

or:

• Animal protein

The safest long-term approach is:

A BROAD OMNIVOROUS DIET

containing both.

Do not feed exclusively:

• Meat

or exclusively:

• Algae wafers and vegetables

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🚫 Not Just an Algae Cleaner

Although L075 may graze:

• Biofilm
• Soft algae
• Organic material

it should not be purchased simply to clean an aquarium.

A mature 8–10 inch pleco requires:

Intentional Daily Nutrition

Aquarium algae alone is not an adequate diet.

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🌙 Nocturnal Behavior

The Para Pleco is primarily:

NOCTURNAL / CREPUSCULAR

Wild specimens were frequently collected at night.

In an aquarium, activity typically increases:

• At dusk
• After lights go out
• During feeding
• Under subdued lighting

Established fish may become increasingly visible during the day.

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🧪 Wild-Caught Acclimation

This listing is for:

WILD-CAUGHT L075 PARA PLECOS

Wild-caught specimens may initially be sensitive after transportation.

After arrival:

• Provide immediate shelter
• Keep lighting subdued
• Maintain high oxygenation
• Avoid sudden water changes
• Maintain excellent filtration
• Monitor respiration
• Confirm that each fish is feeding

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🍽️ Make Sure the Fish Is Eating

A newly imported pleco may hide while faster fish consume its food.

Offer some food:

• Near its shelter
• At dusk
• After lights out
• In multiple locations

Watch for:

• Sunken abdomen
• Loss of body weight
• Persistent refusal to eat

Confirm regular feeding before assuming the fish has settled.

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😌 Temperament

The Para Pleco is generally:

PEACEFUL

toward most midwater aquarium fish.

Potential tankmates include appropriately selected:

• Tetras
• Rainbowfish
• Corydoras
• Brochis
• Peaceful cichlids
• Other community species

provided water requirements overlap.

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⚠️ Pleco-to-Pleco Territorial Behavior

L075 is generally less aggressive than many:

• Cactus Plecos
• Large Pseudacanthicus
• Highly territorial Hypancistrus

but adult fish can still defend:

• Caves
• Feeding areas
• Preferred rocks
• Current-facing shelters

Provide adequate space when keeping several.

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👥 Can L075 Be Kept in Groups?

Yes.

Groups can be maintained when the aquarium provides:

• Significant floor space
• Multiple caves
• Multiple feeding areas
• Visual barriers
• High oxygenation
• Strong filtration

Young fish can often be relatively tolerant of each other.

Adults may become more territorial as they mature.

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♂️ Male vs. Female

Sexing L075 can be difficult.

Mature Males May Develop:

• Slightly longer interopercular odontodes
• More pronounced pectoral-fin odontodes
• Leaner body shape
• More dominant feeding behavior
• Stronger cave territoriality

Mature Females May:

• Become stockier
• Develop fuller abdomens when carrying eggs
• Show a broader, rounder genital papilla when in breeding condition

The differences are relatively subtle compared with some other pleco species.

Unless confidently determined:

Sell as Unsexed

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🥚 Breeding

The L075 Para Pleco has been:

SUCCESSFULLY BRED IN HOME AQUARIUMS

It is a:

CAVE-SPAWNING PLECO

Captive breeding is possible but can be challenging because:

• Sexing is difficult
• Compatible pairs can be difficult to establish
• Adults need considerable territory
• Water quality must remain excellent

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📏 Sexual Maturity

Aquarium breeding reports indicate that Para Plecos may reach sexual maturity at approximately:

13 CM / ABOUT 5 INCHES

Individual maturity can vary.

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🏠 Breeding Cave

The male selects and defends a suitable breeding cave.

An appropriate cave should be:

• Closed at one end
• Large enough for both fish during spawning
• Tight enough for the male to defend
• Located in moderate water flow
• Well oxygenated

Offer multiple cave sizes.

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💕 Spawning Behavior

Documented aquarium spawning behavior includes:

1. The male establishes a cave.
2. A receptive female approaches.
3. The male encourages the female into the cave.
4. The pair remains inside during spawning.
5. Eggs are deposited and fertilized.
6. The female leaves.
7. The male returns to the cave and assumes parental care.

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👨‍👧 Male Parental Care

After spawning:

THE MALE GUARDS THE EGGS

He remains within the breeding cave and protects the developing clutch.

The eggs generally hatch in approximately:

6–7 Days

depending on temperature.

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👶 Fry Development

After hatching, the fry retain a large yolk sac for approximately:

Another Week

before becoming free swimming.

Suitable first foods include:

• Fine sinking pleco foods
• Baby brine shrimp
• Tiny frozen foods
• Crushed omnivore pellets
• Fine vegetable-containing foods

Maintain excellent water quality.

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💨 Breeding Conditions

Breeding success is associated with:

• Warm water
• High dissolved oxygen
• Moderate cave flow
• Excellent filtration
• Clean water
• Well-conditioned adults
• Appropriate caves
• A varied diet

Breeding is better attempted by experienced keepers with established adults.

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🧬 Preserve L-Number Information

If breeding L075:

• Record parent identification
• Preserve locality information when known
• Keep L075/L124/L301 records
• Avoid mixing unidentified similar plecos

Even when several L-numbers are considered the same species, their aquarium history and locality information remain valuable.

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🌎 Conservation Status

Peckoltia sabaji is currently assessed as:

LEAST CONCERN

The species has a relatively broad distribution through portions of:

• Guyana
• Venezuela

and no major species-wide threat has currently resulted in a threatened IUCN category.

Responsible care is still especially important for:

Wild-Caught Specimens

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⭐ Why Keep an L075 Para Pleco?

The L075 offers a combination of:

• 🐆 Dramatic leopard-like spotting
• 🟡 Golden to mustard coloration
• ⚫ Dark enlarging body spots
• 🐟 Long streamlined body
• 🌊 Riverine behavior
• 🌙 Nocturnal personality
• 🍽️ Varied omnivorous feeding
• 🥚 Documented cave-spawning reproduction
• 👨‍👧 Male parental care
• 📏 Impressive 8–10 inch adult size

that makes it an excellent showpiece bottom-dwelling fish for a properly sized aquarium.

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⚠️ Important Considerations

Before purchasing an L075 Para Pleco:

• The currently displayed scientific name is Peckoltia sabaji.
• Older references may use Hemiancistrus sabaji or Ancistomus sabaji.
• The species was formally described in 2003.
• L075, L124, L301, and LDA002 are historically associated with this species.
• This listing is for wild-caught fish.
• Current specimens are approximately 5–6 inches.
• The scientifically confirmed range includes Guyana and Venezuela.
• Do not guess an exact collection locality without supplier documentation.
• FishBase records approximately 7.8 inches standard length before the tail.
• Plan for approximately 8–10 inches total adult size.
• Do not use a 5-inch maximum.
• Provide approximately 75 gallons or larger.
• Use larger aquariums for groups or multiple large bottom dwellers.
• Prioritize aquarium bottom area.
• Provide rocks, caves, and driftwood.
• Maintain high dissolved oxygen.
• Provide moderate current.
• Maintain warm water around 79–86°F.
• Maintain ammonia and nitrite at zero.
• Feed a varied omnivorous diet.
• Include both plant-based foods and animal/insect protein.
• Do not rely solely on aquarium algae.
• Expect some territorial behavior around shelters.
• Captive cave-spawning has been documented.
• Males provide parental care.
• Preserve L-number and locality information when breeding.
• Never release aquarium fish into natural waterways.

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🧬 Taxonomy

The current FishBase scientific identification is:

Peckoltia sabaji Armbruster, 2003

Classification:

• Order: Siluriformes
• Family: Loricariidae
• Subfamily: Hypostominae
• Genus: Peckoltia
• Species: sabaji

Names encountered in older or alternative literature include:

• Hemiancistrus sabaji
• Ancistomus sabaji
• Ancistrus sabaji

FishBase currently displays:

Peckoltia sabaji

while noting that Ancistomus remains used in parts of the aquarium community.

For this product, use:

L075 Para Pleco – (Peckoltia sabaji)

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🔢 L-Number & Locality Disclaimer

L075, L124, L301, and LDA002 have historically been associated with very similar Para Plecos from different collection areas.

Modern aquarium references generally place these forms within:

Peckoltia sabaji

However, the geographic history and taxonomy of these populations have been complicated.

When exact collection locality is known:

Preserve It

When locality is unknown:

Do Not Guess

This is especially important for wild-caught L-number plecos.

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🚚 Live Fish Shipping

Live fish are professionally packed for safe transport.

Shipping availability depends on:

• Fish size
• Destination
• Weather conditions
• Carrier availability
• Applicable state and local regulations

Larger Para Plecos may require:

• Larger insulated shipping boxes
• Additional water
• Heavy-duty shipping bags
• Specialized packing

Please review our Shipping & Payment Information and Live Arrival Guarantee / DOA Policy before ordering.

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⚠️ Buyer Responsibility

Customers are responsible for confirming that Peckoltia sabaji may legally be purchased, possessed, transported, and received in their state or local jurisdiction before ordering.

Never release aquarium fish into natural waterways.

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