L-106 Orange Seam Pleco

Plecostomus are a specialty of AquariumFish.com. These catfish originate in South America, and many colors, sizes and patterns can be found; so many that common names often aren’t enough to identify one pleco from another, so in 1988 a tropical fish magazine in Germany called DATZ assigned “L” numbers to distinguish species. Though not exactly scientific, the system works. We carry a couple of plecos that have not been assigned their L number, but the Germans are a cautious folk, and we are sure they will get around to it in a precise and correct manner. Medium size is 2” to 3”; sometimes they are caught as large as 4 inches. Most plecos do better with a little driftwood in the tank.

The orange seam pleco features a bright orange seam, or fringe, along the top of its long dorsal fin. The orange becomes more pronounced as the pleco ages, so do not be discouraged if the color is faint in the beginning.

Quick Facts

Care Guide

Tank setup: Give them strong current, high oxygen, smooth rocks, caves and driftwood. Many come from warm, fast rivers in Brazil, so keep the water clean and warm.

Feeding: Feed algae wafers and quality sinking pellets. They also enjoy frozen foods now and then.

Tankmates: They do well with most community fish and peaceful cichlids. Give each pleco its own cave to limit territorial squabbles.

Good to know: Many of these plecos come from fast-flowing rivers threatened by dam projects, so wild-caught specimens are increasingly rare.