Opal spot pleco

Scobinancistrus raonii

Also known as L082, Raoni pleco

FreshwaterFish

Care at a glance

Temperature: 81–88°F (27–31°C)
pH: 6.0–7.2
Adult size: 6.3 in (16 cm)
Minimum tank: 79 gal (300 L)
Temperament: Peaceful
Social behavior: Solitary
Swim level: Bottom
Difficulty: Medium
Breeding: Medium
Rarity: Rare
Origin: Rio Xingu, Brazil
Family: Loricariidae

Overview

Keep this spotted Xingu pleco singly; it is peaceful toward other species but best kept as the only one of its kind. It leans carnivorous rather than vegetarian, so build its diet around meaty sinking foods: carnivore pellets, frozen bloodworm, mysis, prawn, and mussel, with only some vegetable matter. It comes from hot, fast water and needs warmth, strong flow, and high oxygen. A warm tank of at least 300 liters with rocky caves, driftwood, and brisk current suits it.

In the wild

It lives in the Rio Xingu of Brazil, hot, fast, clear water pouring over rock and boulder. Recreate that with stacked smooth rock forming caves, some driftwood, strong oxygenated flow, and warm soft water. Hold it hot at around 27 to 31 C with a pH of 6.0 to 7.2. Like the rapids it comes from, its tank should be turbulent and rich in oxygen.

Good to know

Scobinancistrus raonii is a loricariid that reaches about 16 centimeters, dark-bodied and scattered with pearly opal spots, sold as L082. Its genus has rasp-like teeth and a carnivorous streak. It was described in 2023 and is an egg layer of moderate breeding difficulty.

Did you know

It was described in 2023 and named raonii for Cacique Raoni Metuktire, the Kayapo leader known worldwide for his campaign to protect the Xingu river and the wider Amazon rainforest.