Adonis Pleco (L155)

Care at a glance

Overview

A true monster pleco that outgrows almost every home aquarium, needing 1000 liters or far more as an adult, so it suits only the largest tanks or ponds. It is a slow grower and an omnivore that shifts toward protein with age, taking sinking carnivore pellets, prawn, mussel, and bloodworms plus some algae and vegetables. Territorial and often aggressive at size, best kept alone or with large, robust tankmates.

In the wild

Lives in large, fast-flowing, well-oxygenated rivers and channels with rock, wood, and cave cover. Juveniles graze algae and aufwuchs, but adults become more omnivorous and lean heavily on animal protein. Wants powerful flow, high oxygen, and a huge amount of open space.

Good to know

Described as Acanthicus adonis, this is one of the largest plecos in the hobby, reaching 60 to 90 cm and occasionally more. Young fish are black with neat white polka dots and long lyre-shaped tail lobes, and both the spots and the trailing fin filaments fade with age. The genus is armored with sharp odontodes.

Did you know

Cute spotted juveniles are sold cheaply and constantly, but few buyers grasp that an adonis can pass 30 inches, which makes it one of the most commonly outgrown fish in the trade.

Related species

• Scarlet Cactus Pleco (L025)

  Pseudacanthicus pirarara

  15.7 in (40 cm)119 gal (450 L)79–86°F (26–30°C)
• Leopard Cactus Pleco (L114)

  Pseudacanthicus cf. leopardus

  13.8 in (35 cm)106 gal (400 L)81–88°F (27–31°C)
• Sunshine Pleco (L014)

  Scobinancistrus aureatus

  13.8 in (35 cm)106 gal (400 L)79–86°F (26–30°C)
• Vampire Pleco (L029)

  Leporacanthicus galaxias

  9.8 in (25 cm)66 gal (250 L)79–86°F (26–30°C)

• 

  Leopard sailfin pleco

  Pterygoplichthys gibbiceps

  18.9 in (48 cm)100 gal (380 L)72–86°F (22–30°C)

• 

  Amazon sailfin catfish

  Pterygoplichthys pardalis

  17.7 in (45 cm)100 gal (380 L)72–84°F (22–29°C)