The Peckoltia lujani, codenamed L127, is a South American bottom-dwelling catfish that is highly prized for its black and cream stripes that resemble the pattern of a tiger. Native to the Orinoco basin, it is a discreet, peaceful species that is well suited to community plant ers with plenty of hiding places.

Behaviour & maintenance

A calm fish , it will only be territorial with other fish if it lacks hiding places. It is advisable to keep it alone or in pairs, or in a small group in a well-structured tank (roots, rocks, tubes). Allow at least 80 litres per fish.

Feeding

Omnivorous with carnivorous tendencies:

• Protein bottom pellets
• Bloodworms, artemia, chopped mussels
• Special pellets for Loricariidae
• Occasional plant supplements: poached courgette, spinach, etc.

Water quality

• Temperature: 25 - 30°C
• pH: 6.0 - 7.2
• GH: 4 - 10 °dGH
• KH: 2 - 6 °KH
• Conductivity: 150 - 250 µS

The L127 appreciates soft, clean, well-filtered, well-oxygenated water. Weekly water changes are essential to its well-being.

Decor & environment

Use a sandy substrate and install several dark hiding places: roots, flat stones, egg-laying tubes. Compatible with epiphytic plants (Anubias, Bucephalandra, Microsorum). Moderate to subdued lighting recommended.

Maintenance sheet

Aquabota tip

This pleco likes narrow ceramic tubes to hide in or lay its eggs. During reproduction, the male protects the eggs in the cavity until they swim free.