Mustard Spot Peckoltia (L141) Care Guide
Peckoltia snethlageae, now placed in Ancistomus, is a larger Tapajos-basin loricariid catfish with bold dark markings on a yellow body.
Compiled by Aquairi from published sources · Published · Updated
Overview
Peckoltia snethlageae was described by Steindachner in 1911 and is now placed in the genus Ancistomus (Ancistomus snethlageae). Known in the hobby as the Mustard Spot pleco, it is a larger loricariid catfish reaching about 22 cm in total length, with a yellowish body and bold dark markings.
Taxonomy
- Family: Loricariidae
- Scientific name: Peckoltia snethlageae
- Current placement: Ancistomus snethlageae (Steindachner, 1911)
- Trade designations: L141, Mustard Spot Pleco
Habitat
FishBase records the species from the Tapajós River basin in Brazil. It is a freshwater, demersal species of tropical climates, associated with rocky and wood-rich habitats.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 200 L
- Temperature: 24-28 degrees Celsius (75-82 degrees Fahrenheit)
- pH: 6.0-7.5
- GH: 2-12 dGH
- Water flow: moderate
- Lifespan: 8-12 years
Because it grows larger than many L-numbers, provide spacious cover with caves and driftwood and clean, oxygenated water.
Diet
The species is omnivorous, accepting sinking prepared foods, vegetable matter and occasional protein items. It is nocturnal and feeds mainly at night.
Compatibility
It is generally peaceful but can be semi-territorial toward other bottom dwellers, so give individual hiding places. Calm mid-water fish such as tetras and Corydoras are suitable; avoid aggressive or strongly territorial plecos.
Breeding
As a cave-spawning loricariid, breeding is considered advanced.
Conservation status
IUCN Red List: Endangered (assessed 7 November 2018).
Breeding Peckoltia snethlageae (L141)
Overview
Peckoltia snethlageae, traded as L141 (also L215) and known as the ghost pleco, occurs in the Tapajos basin in Brazil. Wikipedia notes the species, originally described by Steindachner in 1911, has been reclassified across several genera and placed in Ancistomus in a 2015 review; it reaches about 22 cm total length and is listed as Endangered by the IUCN. Species-specific spawning reports are scarce, so the account below follows the documented breeding biology of the genus Peckoltia.
Sexing
In Peckoltia, most males develop hypertrophied body odontodes during the breeding season, which is the principal external sign of sex; males are also usually more slender than ripe females.
Breeding Setup
Because these catfishes hide in cavities in submerged logs and rocky riffles, the breeding tank should offer enclosed caves sized to the adults. Well-oxygenated water with movement reflects their riffle habitat.
Spawning Behavior & Trigger
As cave spawners, the female deposits a clutch inside a cave and the male is responsible for tending and guarding it, in line with the documented Peckoltia pattern.
Egg & Fry Care
Following the genus pattern, the male guards the clutch in the cave through hatching, and the fry remain in or near the cave until their yolk reserves are used up before becoming free-swimming.
Common Challenges
As a comparatively large, semi-territorial Peckoltia, this species needs spacious caves and ample cover so a breeding male can hold a territory without persistent conflict. Its Endangered IUCN status makes captive-bred stock especially valuable.