{"product_id":"l368-moon-pleco","title":"L368 \"Moon Pleco\"","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCommon Name:\u003c\/strong\u003e Moon Pleco \/ L368\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eScientific Name:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cem\u003eScobinancistrus\u003c\/em\u003e sp. L368\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNative Region:\u003c\/strong\u003e Brazil – Rio Tapajós, Pará\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin:\u003c\/strong\u003e Tank Raised\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAdult Size:\u003c\/strong\u003e Approximately 12–14\"\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTemperament:\u003c\/strong\u003e Peaceful \/ Semi-territorial\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDiet:\u003c\/strong\u003e Omnivore \/ Carnivore\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCurrently Feeding On:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/saburaiaquatics.com\/collections\/dry-goods\/products\/ebo-mussel-sticks\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"\u003eEBO Mussel Sticks\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/saburaiaquatics.com\/collections\/dry-goods\/products\/ebo-professional-softgran-seafood\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"\u003eEBO Seafood Softgran\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/saburaiaquatics.com\/collections\/dry-goods\/products\/ebo-professional-softgran-mussel\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/saburaiaquatics.com\/collections\/dry-goods\/products\/ebo-plankton-tabs\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"\u003eEBO Plankton Tabs\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSwimming Level:\u003c\/strong\u003e Bottom\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRecommended Group:\u003c\/strong\u003e 1+\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe L368 Moon Pleco is an impressive and relatively uncommon \u003cem\u003eScobinancistrus\u003c\/em\u003e known for its dark body covered with contrasting pale spots. Its heavily armored body, broad head, large fins, and unusual dentition give it a very different appearance from the smaller plecos commonly found in the hobby. L368 is closely associated with \u003cem\u003eScobinancistrus pariolispos\u003c\/em\u003e, and specialist references note that it may represent a variant of that species.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eL368 originates from the Rio Tapajós in Pará, Brazil, where it inhabits rocky river environments with abundant submerged structure and hiding places. These fish appreciate clean, warm, well-oxygenated water and plenty of caves, rockwork, and driftwood. Although they do not necessarily remain directly in the strongest current, good circulation and high dissolved oxygen are important for maintaining them in peak condition.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMoon Plecos are generally active and non-aggressive, but mature individuals can become territorial, particularly when competing for caves and preferred hiding places. A large aquarium with multiple caves and visual barriers allows each fish to establish its own space. Their substantial adult size also makes them best suited to aquariums housing appropriately sized South American tankmates rather than very small community fish.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eCare Requirements\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTemperature:\u003c\/strong\u003e 75–86°F\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003epH:\u003c\/strong\u003e 6.0–7.5\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTank Size:\u003c\/strong\u003e 125 gallons or larger\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWater:\u003c\/strong\u003e Clean, warm, well-oxygenated, with good circulation\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGroup Size:\u003c\/strong\u003e 1+\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eL368 requires a spacious aquarium with a large footprint, especially once mature. A tank of at least 5 feet in length is appropriate for adult specimens. Provide several large caves and shaded retreats constructed from stone, slate, ceramic caves, and driftwood. Multiple hiding places are particularly useful when keeping more than one individual and can significantly reduce territorial competition.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFiltration should be appropriately sized for a large, heavily fed pleco. Strong biological filtration, good mechanical filtration, regular water changes, and high oxygen levels are important. Moderate to strong circulation can be provided while still leaving quieter areas around caves where the fish can rest.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eL368 is not primarily an algae-eating pleco and should receive a substantial amount of protein in its diet. It readily accepts sinking carnivorous and omnivorous foods, frozen foods, mussel, shrimp, bloodworms, and quality sinking pellets or wafers. EBO Mussel Sticks are an excellent staple, while EBO Plankton Tabs and EBO Seafood Softgran can provide additional variety. Specialist keepers report that L368 readily accepts frozen foods, granules, and sinking tablets, with mussel meat being particularly well received.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBecause this species grows large and can consume substantial meals, feeding should be balanced with excellent filtration and regular maintenance. Uneaten meaty foods should be removed promptly to prevent unnecessary increases in organic waste.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMoon Plecos can be excellent inhabitants of large South American community aquariums. They can be kept with appropriately sized peaceful cichlids, characins, large tetras, discus, angelfish, and other robust community fish capable of tolerating warm water. Avoid highly aggressive bottom dwellers and provide sufficient caves if keeping L368 with other plecos.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDifficulty:\u003c\/strong\u003e Moderate\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBreeding:\u003c\/strong\u003e Cave Spawner\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWhy We Like Them\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRare and impressive \u003cem\u003eScobinancistrus\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDistinctive moon-like spotting pattern\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGrows into a substantial centerpiece pleco\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFascinating unusual dentition\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eActive and interesting behavior\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eExcellent choice for large South American aquariums\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eReadily accepts a wide variety of foods\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eParticularly attractive to serious L-number collectors\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eAll livestock is carefully quarantined and monitored before being offered for sale at Saburai Aquatics.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Saburai Aquatics","offers":[{"title":"Small - 2-3\"","offer_id":49007115305113,"sku":null,"price":99.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"Medium - 4-5\"","offer_id":49007115337881,"sku":null,"price":129.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"Large - 6-7\"","offer_id":49007115370649,"sku":null,"price":159.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"XL - 8\"+","offer_id":49007115403417,"sku":null,"price":199.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0401\/1026\/0377\/files\/PIC_COMING_SOON_19878d86-1258-43aa-a2ef-f862bd61f841.png?v=1748739876","url":"https:\/\/saburaiaquatics.com\/products\/l368-moon-pleco","provider":"Saburai Aquatics","version":"1.0","type":"link"}