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Flat flyer pleco

Pseudolithoxus anthrax

Also known as L235, Anthrax pleco

FreshwaterFish

Flat flyer pleco (Pseudolithoxus anthrax)

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
Diet
Omnivore
Difficulty
Medium
Breeding
Medium
Rarity
Rare
Family
Loricariidae
Origin
Upper Orinoco, Venezuela

Overview

The flat flyer pleco loves current, darting and clinging across rock faces rather than lumbering along the bottom. It suits a fast-flowing river tank and a keeper with a little experience.

Did you know

The flat flyer pleco's species name, anthrax, simply means coal in Greek and describes its black color. The word was in use for charcoal and dark gemstones long before it became attached to the disease.

Caring for the flat flyer pleco

Give a flat flyer pleco a tank of at least 53 gal (200 L), set up like a river. Use smooth slabs and stones over a sand floor, and drive strong flow from powerheads or the filter return.

It must have strong current and high oxygen, since they are the point of the setup. Keep the water soft and slightly acidic to neutral, at 79 to 86°F (26 to 30°C) and a pH of 5.5 to 7.2.

Feed a varied diet that leans toward protein, such as sinking pellets, frozen bloodworm and brine shrimp. Give it some vegetable and biofilm alongside.

Keep it singly or as a pair, since it holds a station on the rocks and sees off rival plecos. It is peaceful with other fish, so a lively community of strong swimmers suits it. It has spawned in aquariums for experienced keepers with tanks set up for fast, warm water.

Good to know

Pseudolithoxus anthrax is a member of the family Loricariidae, described in 2000. It is coal-black and dusted with small pale spots, with a body flattened for life in fast water.

In the wild

The flat flyer pleco lives in fast, oxygen-rich stretches of the upper Orinoco in Venezuela. It presses flat against rock swept by the current.

Weekly picks

Tank mates

The flat flyer pleco is a peaceful, solitary species that keeps to the bottom. These picks share a community profile with it, are safe together in both directions, and overlap on water type, temperature and pH.

Check the full mix in the stocking calculator

Common questions

What size tank does a flat flyer pleco need?

A flat flyer pleco needs at least 53 gal (200 L). It spends most of its time in the bottom.

What temperature and pH does a flat flyer pleco need?

A flat flyer pleco is comfortable at 79–86°F (26–30°C) with a pH of 5.5–7.2.

What does a flat flyer pleco eat?

A flat flyer pleco eats a varied diet that leans toward protein, such as sinking pellets, frozen bloodworm and brine shrimp. Give it some vegetable and biofilm as well.

How big does a flat flyer pleco get?

An adult flat flyer pleco reaches about 5.5 in (14 cm).

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