L201 Orinoco Angel Pleco 3.5cm

L201 Orinoco Angel Pleco  

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 stunning and rare species is the Orinoco angel pleco. 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 Orinoco angel pleco is often referred to as the polka dot pleco and is easily recognized by its colouration. Orinoco angel plecos have one of the most recognizable aesthetics with their simple but bold contrast of black and white. These fish have jet-black bodies with bright white spots that run from head to tail. The greatest thing is that these contrasting colours remain even as the fish matures and if anything, they get better. For an aquarist who has had some experience keeping and breeding some more common L number hypancistrus plecos and is chasing a new breeding project or a slightly higher value species, these plecos would be the perfect option. They offer a slight variation in care compared to most plecos and this is primarily diet-based differences as they do not solely rely on wood or plant matter for feeding. Orinoco angel 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.

Orinoco angel 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 L201 Orinoco Angel Pleco

Orinoco angel plecos reach around 15 cm, because of their larger size it is best to keep them in a tank with a minimum volume of 150 liters. This ensures that there is room for other tank mates whilst also giving this pleco the space it needs. To look at having a successful breeding colony it would be best to keep them 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 Orinoco angel 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 angel pleco which could end in death for both fish. Because of the dense bone and armor plating, the plecos often get lodged in the predator fish’s throat.

Feeding your L201 Orinoco Angel Pleco

Orinoco angel plecos are big-time omnivores which makes them quite different from 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.