Ucayali Peckoltia (Peckoltia ucayalensis) Care Guide
Peckoltia ucayalensis, a synonym of Peckoltia bachi, is a small banded loricariid catfish from the upper Amazon and Ucayali region of Peru.
Overview
Peckoltia ucayalensis was described by Fowler in 1940 and is now regarded as a junior synonym of Peckoltia bachi (Boulenger, 1898). It is a small, peaceful armored loricariid catfish with broad cross-banding, originally described from the Ucayali region of Peru.
Taxonomy
- Family: Loricariidae
- Genus: Peckoltia
- Scientific name: Peckoltia ucayalensis
- Current valid name: Peckoltia bachi (Boulenger, 1898)
- Original combination: Hemiancistrus ucayalensis (Fowler, 1940)
Habitat
As Peckoltia bachi, the species occurs across the upper Amazon and its tributaries in Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador and Peru, including the Ucayali. It is a freshwater, demersal species of tropical climates.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 100 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
Provide driftwood, caves and clean, oxygenated water.
Diet
The species is omnivorous and undemanding, accepting sinking prepared foods, vegetable matter and occasional protein items. It is nocturnal.
Compatibility
The species is peaceful and bottom-dwelling, hiding for much of the day. It suits calm tankmates such as tetras and Corydoras. Aggressive or territorial plecos should be avoided.
Breeding
As a cave-spawning Peckoltia, breeding is considered advanced.
Conservation status
FishBase lists the valid species Peckoltia bachi as IUCN Least Concern.