Magnum Pleco (L031) Care Guide
Parancistrus aurantiacus (L031, Magnum Pleco) is a robust loricariid from the Ucayali, Tocantins and Xingu basins needing strong flow and clean water.
Overview
Parancistrus aurantiacus, the Magnum Pleco (L031), is a robust suckermouth catfish. FishBase records a standard length of about 19 cm and a temperature range of 22-27 °C. The species epithet aurantiacus refers to its orange coloration.
Taxonomy
- Family: Loricariidae
- Subfamily: Hypostominae
- Genus: Parancistrus
- Scientific name: Parancistrus aurantiacus
- L-number: L031
Habitat
FishBase and Wikipedia report the species from the Ucayali, Tocantins and Xingu River basins in Brazil and Peru. These are warm, fast-flowing tropical drainages, and the fish needs strong water movement and clean, oxygenated conditions.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 400 L
- Temperature: 24-28 °C (within the 22-27 °C wild range per FishBase)
- pH: 6.0-7.5
- GH: 2-12 °dGH
- Lifespan: 8-12 years
- Provide driftwood, caves and strong, well-oxygenated flow
Diet
Omnivorous. As a loricariid it grazes on aufwuchs and biofilm and accepts sinking prepared foods and vegetable matter in the aquarium.
Compatibility
A robust, mostly nocturnal bottom-dweller. It can be territorial toward other plecos, so it should be given ample space, caves and high flow.
Breeding
A cave-spawner; breeding is considered advanced and is rarely achieved in the aquarium.
Conservation status
IUCN Red List: Near Threatened (assessed 2020).