L075 "Para Pleco"

Common Name: Para Pleco / Leopard Pleco / L075
Scientific Name: Ancistomus sabaji
Native Region: Brazil – Rio Pará, Rio Tapajós, and Rio Curuá Una drainages
Origin: Wild Caught
Adult Size: Approximately 8–10"
Temperament: Peaceful / Semi-territorial
Diet: Omnivore / Algae Grazer / Scavenger
Currently Feeding On: EBO Seafood Softgran, EBO Spirulina Softgran, EBO Mussel Sticks
Swimming Level: Bottom
Recommended Group: 1+

The L075 Para Pleco is a beautifully patterned Peckoltia with a yellow to tan base color covered in dark spots that become progressively larger toward the rear of the body. This distinctive spotting, combined with its robust build and attractive finnage, makes L075 a particularly desirable pleco for collectors and large community aquariums. The species is also known by several other L-numbers, including L124, L301, and LDA02.

In nature, Ancistomus sabaji is associated with Brazilian river systems including the Rio Pará, Rio Tapajós, and Rio Curuá Una. These fish are found around rocky areas, submerged wood, roots, and other structure where they can forage and shelter. Historical fieldwork has documented L075-type fish in rocky areas as well as around trunks and roots, highlighting the importance of providing plenty of structure in the aquarium.

Para Plecos are generally peaceful toward appropriately sized tankmates but can become territorial toward other plecos, particularly around favored caves and hiding places. Keeping a single specimen is perfectly appropriate, while multiple individuals require a larger aquarium with numerous caves and visual barriers. Their substantial adult size should also be considered when selecting tankmates and aquarium size.

Care Requirements

Temperature: 75–82°F
pH: 6.0–7.6
Tank Size: 75 gallons or larger
Water: Soft to moderately hard, clean, well-oxygenated, with good circulation
Group Size: 1+

L075 should be provided with a spacious aquarium containing plenty of driftwood, rockwork, caves, and shaded areas. A large footprint is especially valuable as adults become substantial fish. Multiple caves positioned throughout the aquarium can help reduce territorial competition and give each pleco a secure retreat.

Good filtration and oxygenation are important, particularly because L075 is a robust fish that can produce a significant amount of waste as it matures. Moderate water movement is beneficial, with calmer areas around caves and wood where the fish can rest. Regular water changes and low nitrate levels will help maintain long-term health.

The Para Pleco is an omnivorous grazer and scavenger rather than a strict algae eater. Its diet should include a mixture of vegetable-based foods, algae and biofilm, sinking prepared foods, and occasional protein-rich foods. EBO Spirulina Tabs and EBO Spirulina Softgran make excellent staples, while EBO Mussel Sticks can provide additional protein and variety.

Offering food after lights-out is often particularly effective, as L075 becomes more active during the evening and nighttime hours. Driftwood should also be incorporated into the aquarium as part of the natural environment and feeding surface.

L075 is an excellent choice for a larger South American community aquarium. It generally coexists well with peaceful fish occupying the middle and upper portions of the aquarium. Appropriate tankmates include larger tetras, peaceful cichlids, larger characins, and other community species that appreciate similar water conditions. When housed with other plecos, provide substantially more caves and structure than the number of fish would otherwise suggest.

Difficulty: Moderate
Breeding: Cave Spawner

Why We Like Them

• Classic and highly recognizable L-number pleco

• Beautiful yellow-to-tan body coloration

• Distinctive dark spotting pattern

• Spots become larger toward the rear of the body

• Excellent combination of grazing and scavenging behavior

• Generally peaceful with appropriately sized tankmates

• Impressive adult size without becoming an enormous pleco

• Excellent choice for collectors of classic L-number species

All livestock is carefully quarantined and monitored before being offered for sale at Saburai Aquatics.