L106 "Orange Seam Pleco"

Common Name: L106 Orange Seam Pleco / Spotted Orange Seam Pleco
Scientific Name: Hemiancistrus guahiborum
Native Region: Venezuela – Middle & Upper Orinoco Basin, including the Rio Ventuari
Origin: Wild Caught
Adult Size: Approximately 5–6"
Temperament: Peaceful / Semi-territorial
Diet: Omnivore / Aufwuchs Grazer
Currently Feeding On: EBO Artemia Softgran, EBO Spirulina Softgran, EBO Mussel Sticks
Swimming Level: Bottom
Recommended Group: 1+

The L106 Orange Seam Pleco is a striking medium-sized loricariid prized for its dark, spotted body and vivid orange edging along the dorsal and caudal fins. The orange “seam” becomes especially attractive on well-conditioned adults, creating a sharp contrast against their olive, gray, and brown coloration. Their armored body and distinctive fin markings make them an excellent choice for pleco enthusiasts looking for something less common than the typical bristlenose or common pleco.

L106 originates from the middle and upper Orinoco River basin of Venezuela, with the Rio Ventuari being an important locality. In nature, they inhabit warm, clear, fast-moving waters where they spend much of their time holding onto and grazing hard surfaces. Strong water movement, excellent oxygenation, rocky surfaces, and plenty of cover help replicate the conditions they are adapted to in the wild.

They are generally peaceful toward other community fish but can become territorial toward other plecos, particularly when suitable caves and hiding places are limited. Providing several caves, pieces of driftwood, and visual barriers allows each fish to establish its own preferred area. Males develop more pronounced odontodes on the pectoral spines and cheeks, while females tend to have a broader body when mature.

Care Requirements

Temperature: 77–84°F
pH: 5.8–7.2
Tank Size: 40 gallons+
Water: Soft to moderately hard, clean and highly oxygenated
Group Size: 1+

L106 Orange Seam Plecos do best in mature aquariums with excellent filtration and strong oxygenation. Moderate to strong circulation is recommended, especially when keeping them in warmer water. Smooth rocks, driftwood, and caves should be incorporated throughout the aquarium to provide grazing surfaces, shelter, and territorial boundaries.

Their natural diet consists largely of periphyton and biofilm scraped from hard surfaces, but they are not strictly herbivorous. In the aquarium, they readily accept a varied diet consisting of spirulina-based foods, algae wafers, sinking foods, vegetables, and protein-rich foods. Offering food after the aquarium lights go out can be especially effective, as these plecos are often most active during the evening and nighttime.

Wild-caught specimens should be given time to acclimate and should be offered a varied diet rather than relying solely on naturally occurring algae. Regular feedings of quality sinking foods combined with occasional blanched vegetables and frozen or meaty foods help maintain condition.

L106 are excellent community plecos when housed with appropriately sized, peaceful fish. Tetras, rasboras, peaceful cichlids, Corydoras, and other non-aggressive bottom dwellers can make suitable tankmates. If keeping multiple plecos, provide several caves and plenty of visual separation to minimize territorial disputes.

Difficulty: Moderate
Breeding: Cave Spawner

Why We Like Them

• Striking orange-edged fins

• Beautiful spotted and honeycomb-like body pattern

• Uncommon and desirable L-number pleco

• Excellent medium-sized collector pleco

• Fascinating natural behavior as a rock and biofilm grazer

• Peaceful with most community fish

• Excellent choice for a high-flow Orinoco-style aquarium

• Wild-caught specimens offer an authentic biotope experience

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