{"product_id":"slate-pleco-pseudancistrus-genisetiger","title":"Slate Pleco - Pseudancistrus genisetiger","description":"\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCommon Name:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Slate Pleco\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eScientific Name:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePseudancistrus genisetiger\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eNative Region:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Brazil – Rio Jaguaribe Basin\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin:\u003c\/strong\u003e Wild Caught\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAdult Size:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Approximately 4\"\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eTemperament:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Peaceful \/ Semi-territorial\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDiet:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Herbivore \/ Aufwuchs Grazer\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCurrently Feeding On:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/saburaiaquatics.com\/collections\/dry-goods\/products\/ebo-spirulina-tabs\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"\u003eEBO Spirulina Tabs\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/saburaiaquatics.com\/collections\/dry-goods\/products\/ebo-spirulina-supersoft\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"\u003eEBO Spirulina Softgran\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/saburaiaquatics.com\/collections\/dry-goods\/products\/ebo-mussel-sticks\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"\u003eEBO Mussel Sticks\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSwimming Level:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Bottom\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eRecommended Group:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e 1+\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe Slate Pleco (\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePseudancistrus genisetiger\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e) is an uncommon and highly attractive South American loricariid prized for its highly variable pattern, which can appear as spotted or reticulated. This species has a natural, rugged appearance that makes it especially appealing in a well-designed biotope.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eNative to the Rio Jaguaribe basin in northeastern Brazil, the Slate Pleco is adapted to warm, flowing waters with rocky habitat and high oxygen levels. Its body shape and sucker mouth are well suited to holding onto surfaces in moving water while grazing on aufwuchs—the combination of algae, biofilm, and the small organisms living within it.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSlate Plecos are generally peaceful toward other community fish but can become territorial toward other plecos, particularly as males mature. Males develop a broader head and more pronounced bristles along the snout and cheek area, adding to their distinctive appearance. Providing multiple caves and separate territories can help reduce competition between individuals.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCare Requirements\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eTemperature:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e 75–82°F\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003epH:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e 6.0–7.5\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eTank Size:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e 30 gallons or larger\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWater:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Soft to moderately hard\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eGroup Size:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e 1 or more\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSlate Plecos appreciate mature aquariums with excellent biological filtration and strong oxygenation. Moderate water movement is beneficial, and additional circulation can be particularly helpful in recreating the flowing-water conditions of their natural habitat. Smooth rocks, driftwood, and caves should be incorporated into the aquarium to provide grazing surfaces and secure hiding places.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDiet is particularly important with this species. Slate Plecos should receive a diet centered around vegetable matter and naturally occurring biofilm. Algae wafers, spirulina-based foods, and blanched vegetables such as zucchini, cucumber, spinach, and squash make excellent staples. Small amounts of frozen or live foods can be offered occasionally, but the majority of the diet should remain plant-based.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eA mature aquarium with established algae and biofilm is ideal, but don't rely on the aquarium's natural algae growth alone to feed them. Regular supplemental feeding is important for maintaining long-term health and condition.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eTheir peaceful nature makes them suitable for a wide range of community aquariums. They can be kept with peaceful tetras, rasboras, Corydoras, and other community fish with compatible water requirements. When keeping multiple plecos, provide plenty of caves and visual barriers, as adult males may defend territories.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDifficulty:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Moderate\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBreeding:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Cave spawner; captive breeding is uncommon, with males guarding eggs within suitable caves.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWhy We Like Them\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eUncommon and highly desirable South American pleco\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBeautiful slate-gray coloration\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eRugged, heavily armored appearance\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eExcellent natural aufwuchs and biofilm grazer\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eInteresting male bristle development\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePeaceful community temperament\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eExcellent choice for a river-style aquarium\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSmaller than many of the larger collector plecos\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAll livestock is carefully quarantined and monitored before being offered for sale at Saburai Aquatics.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Saburai Aquatics","offers":[{"title":"Small - 1.5-2\"","offer_id":48997524570265,"sku":null,"price":39.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"Medium - 2.25-2.75\"","offer_id":48997524603033,"sku":null,"price":49.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"Large - 3-3.5\"","offer_id":48997524635801,"sku":null,"price":59.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"XL - 4\"+","offer_id":48997524668569,"sku":null,"price":69.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0401\/1026\/0377\/files\/PLECO_PSEUDANCISTRUS_GENISETIGER_MARKED.png?v=1788924487","url":"https:\/\/saburaiaquatics.com\/products\/slate-pleco-pseudancistrus-genisetiger","provider":"Saburai Aquatics","version":"1.0","type":"link"}