L015 Candy Striped Pleco 3.5cm

L015 Candy Striped Plecos
 

L number plecos are a group of fish that have their very own dedicated cult following. There are a sea of different plecos and some don’t even have a proper trade name which is why they are often given a numerical identification. The L stands for Loricariidae which is the family that plecos are in and the numbers are most likely assigned based on how recently they are discovered with the earlier discovered fish having a smaller number. One of the most loved and somewhat easily found species is the candy stripe pleco which is still a global classic due to a multitude of reasons. Though L number plecos are more common in other parts of the world, their presence is still growing in Australia which makes these fish all the better to own. 

The candy stripe pleco is easily recognised by its colouration. These have a yellow poison dart frog style patterning with an array of yellow to orange and black patterning. Some individuals can be more yellow than orange but this can change as the fish matures, the exact reason for this is unknown but genetics may play an important role. As juveniles the yellow and black barring tend to be very well split but as the fish mature, they create this very interesting and contrasting blend of colours. For an aquarist who has had some experience keeping and breeding bristlenose plecos and is chasing a new breeding project or a slightly more challenging species then these plecos would be the perfect option. They offer a slight variation in care and primarily diet as they do not solely rely on wood or plant matter for feeding. Candy stripe plecos will be a great fish in a species-only breeding tank or even a community aquarium where you might only see them ever so often but their reclusiveness certainly makes them such a satisfying fish to see every now and then.

Candy stripe plecos can be slightly more challenging to breed in captivity compared to the more common bristlenose but it isn’t too bad. The main thing is that these fish can take a while to reach maturity. The most ideal way of breeding these fish would be to put them in a dedicated, species-only aquarium (the only exception being small tetras to act as dither fish) and an abundance of pleco caves to entice breeding. Providing a plentiful supply of food, doing regular water changes and not entering with the tank setting too much can get these fish breeding easily. 

Tank Recommendations for your L015 Candy Stripe Pleco

Candy stripe plecos can be kept alone and will need an aquarium with a minimum of 70 litres. This ensures that there is room for other tank mates whilst also giving this pleco, which can reach around 13cm the space it needs. To look at having a successful breeding colony it would be best to keep them in a larger aquarium with at least 6 individuals.  

A sand or gravel substrate is perfectly fine but most importantly they will love hiding areas around small pieces of driftwood, and rock caves and they will love a densely planted aquarium as well. This species is most active when the lights are turned off.

Suitable Tank Buddies

The candy stripe pleco is extremely peaceful with aggression only ever coming out with breeding males breeding however this is 9.5 times out of 10, very harmless. With adequate space, these fish will get along with a wide range of community fish.

Usually Compatible

Tetras, gouramis, corydoras, angelfish, barbs dwarf cichlids such as rams and large peaceful cichlids such as uaru or Severums.

Sometime Compatible

Semi-aggressive or territorial cichlids like jack Dempseys, fire mouths, convicts cichlids and similar species.

Rarely Compatible 

large aggressive species such as African cichlids, Oscars and Jaguar cichlids. These species may try to eat the candy stripe pleco which could end in death for both fish. Because of the dense bone and armour plating, the plecos often get lodged in the predator fish’s throat.

Feeding your L015 Candy Stripe Pleco

Candy stripe plecos are bit time omnivores which makes them quite different to some of the other common pleco varieties. They are by no means a hard species to feed and will easily thrive on a quality sinking pleco wafer that has a decent protein content. Ensuring that you are getting a quality pleco wafer is important as poor-quality options can quickly foul the water and offer little nutritional value for the fish. They will however also feed on wood although minimal their diet can be supplemented with blanched veggies like zucchini and pumpkin.