TankBud

Adonis pleco (L155)

Acanthicus adonis

Also known as L155, Polka Dot Lyretail Pleco, Black Adonis Pleco, White Spotted Lyretail Pleco

FreshwaterFish

Adonis pleco (L155) (Acanthicus adonis)
The Wet Spot Tropical Fish · Used with permission

Care at a glance

Temperature
77–84°F
25–29°C
pH
6.0–7.5
Adult size
35.4 in
90 cm
Minimum tank
264 gal
1,000 L
Temperament
Aggressive
Social behavior
Solitary
Own kind
One per tank
Tankmates
With caution
Swim level
Bottom
Diet
Omnivore
Difficulty
Difficult
Breeding
No record
Rarity
Very rare
Family
Loricariidae
Origin
Middle Amazon and Rio Tocantins basins of Brazil.

Overview

The Adonis pleco (L155) is a true monster pleco that outgrows almost every home aquarium. It suits only the largest tanks or ponds, and only experienced keepers.

Did you know

Cute spotted juveniles of the Adonis pleco (L155) are sold cheaply and constantly. Few buyers grasp that the species can pass 30 inches, which makes it one of the most commonly outgrown fish in the trade.

Caring for the Adonis pleco (L155)

An adult Adonis pleco (L155) needs at least 264 gal (1,000 L), or far more. Give it powerful flow, high oxygen and a huge amount of open space. Keep the water at 77 to 84°F (25 to 29°C) and a pH of 6.0 to 7.5.

It is a slow grower and an omnivore that shifts toward protein with age. Juveniles graze algae and aufwuchs, while adults lean heavily on animal protein. Feed sinking carnivore pellets, prawn, mussel and bloodworms, plus some algae and vegetables.

It is territorial and often aggressive at size, so keep only one per tank. It is best kept alone or with large, robust tank mates.

Good to know

Acanthicus adonis is one of the largest plecos in the hobby, a member of the family Loricariidae. Young fish are black with neat white polka dots and long, lyre-shaped tail lobes. Both the spots and the trailing fin filaments fade with age. The genus is armored with sharp odontodes.

In the wild

The Adonis pleco (L155) comes from the middle Amazon and Rio Tocantins basins of Brazil. It lives in large, fast-flowing, well-oxygenated rivers and channels with rock, wood and cave cover.

Common questions

What size tank does an Adonis pleco (L155) need?

An Adonis pleco (L155) needs at least 264 gal (1,000 L). It spends most of its time in the bottom.

What temperature and pH does an Adonis pleco (L155) need?

An Adonis pleco (L155) is comfortable at 77–84°F (25–29°C) with a pH of 6.0–7.5.

What does an Adonis pleco (L155) eat?

An Adonis pleco (L155) is an omnivore that shifts toward protein with age. Feed it sinking carnivore pellets, prawn, mussel and bloodworms, plus some algae and vegetables.

How big does an Adonis pleco (L155) get?

An adult Adonis pleco (L155) reaches about 35.4 in (90 cm).

Related species