Flat flyer pleco

Pseudolithoxus anthrax

Also known as L235, Anthrax pleco

FreshwaterFish

Care at a glance

Temperature: 79–86°F (26–30°C)
pH: 5.5–7.2
Adult size: 5.5 in (14 cm)
Minimum tank: 53 gal (200 L)
Temperament: Peaceful
Social behavior: Solitary
Swim level: Bottom
Difficulty: Medium
Breeding: Medium
Rarity: Rare
Origin: Upper Orinoco, Venezuela
Family: Loricariidae

Overview

The flat flyer is a flattened, current-loving pleco best kept singly or as a pair, since it holds a station on the rocks and sees off rival plecos. It is built for fast water and darts and clings across rock faces rather than lumbering along the bottom. It is peaceful with other fish, so a lively community of strong swimmers suits it. Feed it a varied diet leaning toward protein, sinking pellets, frozen bloodworm and brine shrimp, with some vegetable and biofilm alongside. It needs a tank of around 200 liters with strong flow, high oxygen and smooth rock.

In the wild

Pseudolithoxus anthrax lives in fast, oxygen-rich stretches of the upper Orinoco in Venezuela, pressed flat against current-swept rock. A river-style tank suits it: smooth slabs and stones, a sand floor, and strong flow from powerheads or the filter return. Keep it soft and slightly acidic to neutral, around pH 5.5 to 7.2, and warm at 26 to 30 C. Strong current and high oxygen are not optional for this fish; they are the point of the setup.

Good to know

Pseudolithoxus anthrax is a member of Loricariidae and reaches about 14 centimeters, coal-black and dusted with small pale spots, its body flattened for life in fast water. It was described in 2000. The species name anthrax is Greek for coal, a reference to its dark color rather than anything sinister. It has spawned in aquaria for experienced keepers set up for fast, warm water.

Did you know

The name anthrax simply means coal in Greek and describes the fish's black color; the word was in use for charcoal and dark gemstones long before it became attached to the disease.