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Gold Spot Pleco L001 (Pterygoplichthys joselimaianus)
24–29°C · pH 6.5–7.5 · 600L
£16.99
A striking, peaceful armored catfish that stays manageable in size and makes a unique bottom-dwelling centerpiece for a well-maintained community aquarium. Moderate care, peaceful. 24-30C, pH 6.0-7.5.
Adult size is the maximum length this species reaches at full maturity (scientific sources). The livestock you receive will be younger and smaller — pick a size variant above for the actual shipping size. Product-photo provenance and any image-specific limitations are stated on the listing.
Parancistrus sp. magnum
A striking, peaceful armored catfish that stays manageable in size and makes a unique bottom-dwelling centerpiece for a well-maintained community aquarium. Moderate care, peaceful. 24-30C, pH 6.0-7.5.
Adult size is the maximum length this species reaches at full maturity (scientific sources). The livestock you receive will be younger and smaller — pick a size variant above for the actual shipping size. Product-photo provenance and any image-specific limitations are stated on the listing.
Plecos are the ultimate algae-eating catfish for freshwater aquariums. From the tiny bristlenose to the massive common pleco, there's a pleco for every tank size.
Maintain these water conditions for optimal health and vibrant colors
The L047 Magnum Pleco (Parancistrus sp.) is a handsome, high-oxygen loving suckermouth catfish from fast-flowing South American rivers. Robust and hard-working, it grazes constantly on biofilm and algae while adding a bold, armoured presence to a mature aquarium — a rewarding L-number for keepers who can provide the flow and space it needs.
Reaching around 22cm, the L047 is a solid, broad-headed pleco with a dark, finely-spotted body and the powerful sucker-mouth typical of the group. Juveniles are often more contrasty, with markings mellowing as the fish matures into its heavy adult form.
Provide at least 300 litres with a strong current, excellent oxygenation and plenty of smooth wood and rock caves. Warm, soft-to-neutral water (24–30°C, pH 6.0–7.5) suits it well. Bogwood is important both as cover and as a grazing surface, and powerful filtration keeps the oxygen-rich conditions this river fish demands.
This is a high-oxygen, high-flow river species — in warm, still or poorly-oxygenated water it will struggle. Strong water movement and surface agitation are essential, especially at the upper end of its temperature range.
Peaceful towards most tankmates, the L047 can be territorial with other bottom-dwelling plecos, so give each catfish its own cave and sightline breaks. It mixes well with active midwater community fish and larger characins, and spends its time grazing surfaces and sheltering by day.
| Great tank mates | Best avoided |
|---|---|
| Active midwater community fish | Other territorial plecos in small tanks |
| Larger tetras and barbs | Aggressive large cichlids |
| Peaceful medium cichlids | Very slow long-finned fish |
| Non-competing catfish |
Largely herbivorous and detritivorous, it grazes biofilm, algae and wood, and should be offered quality sinking algae wafers, catfish pellets and blanched vegetables such as courgette and spinach, with the occasional protein treat. A piece of bogwood to rasp on supports healthy digestion.
Add an extra powerhead aimed across the tank — L-number plecos from rapids colour up and feed best when they can sit in a brisk, oxygen-rich current.
Every L047 Magnum Pleco is hand-selected and quarantined before sale, then packed in oxygenated bags with insulation and heat packs when needed and sent by tracked, live-animal courier. Your order is covered by our Live Arrival Guarantee, so it reaches you safely anywhere in the UK.
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