Adonis Pleco / Acanthicus adonis (5 Count)

Common Name: Adonis Pleco Scientific Name: Acanthicus adonis Other Names: L155, LDA059 The Adonis Pleco is a wild-caught giant pleco from Brazil, highly sought after for its bold spotting and spiny armor. Juvenile Adonis plecos are black with bold white spots, and their spiny, armored bodies and long tail filaments make them one of the most striking large plecos. As they grow, the spots become proportionally smaller. Like other plecos, it has an armored body and a sucker-like mouth that it uses to cling to surfaces and graze. This listing is for a group of 5 fish. Habitat and Distribution: The Adonis pleco is native to the Amazon basin of Brazil, notably the Rio Tocantins, where it lives in large rivers among rocks and deep channels. These habitats provide plenty of surfaces for grazing and crevices for shelter, and the flowing water keeps oxygen levels high. Size and Lifespan: Adonis plecos are among the largest plecos, reaching about 2-3 feet (60-90 cm). Large plecos are long-lived, and 10-15 years or more is typical with good care. Diet and Behavior: Adonis plecos are omnivorous, feeding on invertebrates, detritus and plant matter in the wild. In the aquarium, offer sinking pellets, shrimp, mussel and vegetables. They are peaceful with other fish but can be territorial toward other large plecos, especially as they mature. Feed a varied diet and remove uneaten food promptly to protect water quality. Breeding and Reproduction: Breeding Adonis plecos in aquariums is very rare because of their adult size. Like many large plecos, they are believed to spawn in caves or burrows, with the male guarding the eggs. Aquarium Care and Tank Requirements: Juveniles can start in a smaller tank, but adults need 300 gallons or more. Provide plenty of driftwood, caves and rockwork, a sand or fine gravel substrate, and efficient filtration with good water movement and high oxygen levels. Regular water changes are essential to maintain water quality. The water temperature should be kept between 75-82°F (24-28°C), with a pH of 6.0-7.5 and soft to moderately hard water. New arrivals should be acclimated slowly. Ideal Tank Mates: They can be kept with a wide range of peaceful to semi-aggressive fish, but as they grow, tank mates should be large enough not to be bullied or outcompeted for food. Avoid housing them with other large, territorial plecos in smaller tanks. As with any aquarium, introduce new fish carefully and watch for signs of stress or aggression. Difficulty Level: Advanced. Adonis plecos are hardy, but their very large adult size requires a long-term plan for a huge aquarium. It is recommended only for experienced aquarists with the resources to meet its long-term needs. Water Parameters: Temperature: 75-82°F (24-28°C) pH: 6.0-7.5 General Hardness (GH): 4-12 dGH Carbonate Hardness (KH): 2-8 dKH Ammonia: 0 ppm Nitrite: 0 ppm Nitrate: <20 ppm (regular water changes required) Additional Information: The spines on the body and fins easily snag in nets, so move them with a container. They reach a very large size, so plan for a large adult tank from the start. Fun fact: The genus name Acanthicus comes from the Greek word for thorn, a nod to its spiny body. The Adonis Pleco is a spectacular, spiny showpiece pleco for keepers who can provide a very large aquarium.