Tag Archives: Peckoltia

L134 Peckoltia compta

13. September 2019

The L-number catfishes are like us humans. There are pretty, very pretty and extraordinarily pretty specimens. To the latter group belong the L134 (Peckoltia compta) from the Rio Tapajós, which we currently have in stock. P. compta belongs to the most recommendable L-catfishes at all and unites all desired characteristics of this group in ideal way: small size (maximum 12 cm with tail fin), splendid coloring, little shy nature and comparatively easy breeding. However, the distinguishing of the sexes is tricky and often ends in annoying way unsatisfactory for the aquarist. Although sexual active males are always easy to recognize, boyish females are not and males, which are ranked far below, cannot be distinguished from females at all. 

For our customers: the animals have code 26480-L 134-2 on our stocklist. Please note that we only supply wholesalers.

Text & photos: Frank Schäfer

Peckoltia sp. L135

27. March 2019

Currently is season for one of the most beautiful members of the genus Peckoltia, namely L135. The species originates from the Rio Negro and can be easily recognized by the “wormline-pattern” on the head. Only two other species of Peckoltia show a similar pattern: P. braueri from the Takutu river and P. sp. L121 from Guyana. But both have a different, less contrasting pattern on the body.

L135 becomes about 15 cm long. The males differ only slightly in body proportions from the females. In our pictures is the orange animal a male, the white one a female, but the colour represents only the variability in respect of the basic coloration and is not a sexual difference. This makes it difficult to assort pairs. On the other hand the attractive species has already been bred successfully in the aquarium.

For our customers: the animals have code 26480-L 135-1 (4-6 cm) und 26480-L 135-5 (11-14 cm) on our stocklist. Please note that we exclusively supply the wholesale trade.

Text & photos: Frank Schäfer

L168 Zonancistrus brachyurus

18. October 2017

We obtained wonderful L168 from Brazil. In this case the L-number provides a safer information than the scientific name. Due to several misidentifications this fish was in the hobby initially named Peckoltia pulcher, then Dekeyseria pulcher, sometimes also Zonancistrus pictus. But the valid name (this is at least current state of the art) is Zonancistrus brachyurus. Moreover, this species is often confused with the very similar species L52 from the Orinoco basin.

Zonancistrus brachyurus attains a maximum length of about 15 cm.  It originates from the Rio Negro system. L168 is very peaceful against conspecifics and can be kept in larger groups. This makes breeding attempts easier. Anyone who tries to breed the beautiful fish is recommended to use very soft water with an pH of 5.5 to 6 and a water temperature between 26 and 28°C. L168 is a typical cave spawner.

For our customers: the fish have code 26480-L 168-4 on our stocklist. Please note that we exclusively supply the wholesale trade.

Text & photos: Frank Schäfer

Peckoltia brevis / LDA 78

18. September 2017

We received this beautiful small pleco once more from Brazil. The species became popular in the hobby long time before any L-numbers were created. Peckoltia brevis attains a maximum length of about 12 cm. It originates from affluents of the Amzaon river, for example from the Rio Purus, the Rio Jurua, the Rio Manacapuru, and the Rio Tefé. The juveniles we currently imported are basically yellow, but elder fish become more dark and develop a very nice orange to pink-brown coloration.

Peckoltia brevis is a pretty alternative to the by far more widespread species of Ancistrus; the lifestyle of both is very similar.

For our customers: the animals have code 276991 on our stocklist. Please note that we exclusively supply the wholesale trade.

Text & photos: Frank Schäfer

Peckoltia sp. Red Tiger L209

24. March 2017

When we imported this beauty for the very first time it was not possible to identify it as a already known species. But now there is a consensus among hobbyists that it is identical with L209. L209 is a typical member of the genus Peckoltia. The omnivorous species attains a maximum length of about 15 cm. The species originates from the Rio Madeira. In the meantime it was possible to breed the fish successful, so hopefully it will stay available in the hobby.

Text & photos: Frank Schäfer