XL Albino L155 Adonis Pleco (7”+)

L155 Albino Adonis Pleco Overview

• Common Name: Albino Adonis Pleco

• Scientific Name: Acanthicus adonis (L155)

• Family: Loricariidae (Plecos)

• Adult Size: Typically 12-18”  in captivity, but may reach up to 24” in the wild.

• Lifespan: Can live 15+ years with proper care.

• Temperament: Generally peaceful and shy but can be territorial with others of its kind.

Natural Environment

• Habitat:

  • The L155 Albino Adonis Pleco is native to the Rio Xingu in Brazil, where it inhabits fast-moving, oxygen-rich rivers with rocky or sandy substrates.

  • These plecos are typically found near underwater caves, crevices, and driftwood.

  • In the wild, they are night-time foragers and tend to stay hidden during the day, coming out to feed at night.

• Water Conditions:

  • Temperature: Prefers 76–84°F (24–29°C), which is typical of its tropical river habitat.

  • pH: Slightly acidic to neutral, around 6.5–7.5.

  • Water Flow: Like most plecos, the L155 prefers moderate water flow, mimicking the currents of its natural environment.

• Behavior:

  • The L155 is a bottom-dwelling fish and spends much of its time hiding in caves, under rocks, or among driftwood. It is solitary by nature but can be kept with other fish.

  • It is nocturnal and will become more active after lights-out, foraging for food and exploring its surroundings.

  • Territorial behavior may occur, especially if there are other plecos in the tank, so adequate space and hiding spots are necessary.

Diet

The L155 Albino Adonis Pleco is primarily omnivorous, and in the wild, it feeds on a variety of organic matter found in its environment:

• Wild Diet:

  • Algae, biofilm, plant matter, detritus, and small invertebrates.

  • They are opportunistic feeders and may also scavenge for food in the riverbed.

• In Captivity:

  • Xtreme Bottom, Hikari Algae wafers or vegetable-based sinking pellets are essential. 

  • They also enjoy blanched vegetables like zucchini or cucumber

  • Driftwood should be present in the tank, as they like to rasp on it to get fiber and to maintain their digestive health.

  • It's also important to provide a variety of foods to keep them healthy and to maintain their bright coloration.

Recommended Aquarium Setup

The L155 Albino Adonis Pleco is a relatively small pleco but requires a well-planted and structured tank to thrive. It’s essential to set up an aquarium that mimics its natural environment while providing sufficient space for its peaceful but solitary nature.

• Tank Size:

  • A minimum of 120 gallons (150 liters) is recommended for an adult. 40 gallon is preferred for raising a Baby-Juvenile for better observation.

• Aquascaping:

  • Include plenty of hiding spots using caves, driftwood, and rocks.

  • A sandy or fine gravel substrate is best, as it’s easy for the pleco to dig and burrow.

  • Adding live plants is not only visually appealing but also helps provide natural cover. Just be aware that they may nibble on the plants from time to time, particularly the softer ones.

• Water Flow:

  • Moderate filtration is necessary, as plecos produce a decent amount of waste.

  • Ensure the tank has good water circulation to keep the water oxygenated and to mimic the conditions of their natural river habitat.

• Tank Mates:

  • Cichlids (preferably non-aggressive ones), tetras, rainbowfish, and catfish (like Corydoras or Synodontis) make good tankmates.

  • Avoid keeping them with overly aggressive fish that might harass them or outcompete them for food.

  • If keeping more than one L155, ensure that there are multiple hiding spots to reduce territorial behavior, and ideally, only one male per tank.

 Other Considerations

• Nighttime Activity: Since the L155 is nocturnal, they may be hidden for much of the day, and their activity is primarily at night. You may need to adjust your feeding schedule accordingly.

• Water Quality: Regular water changes (about 25– 50% weekly) will help maintain the health of your pleco and keep the tank clean.

• Algae Growth: They may help with light algae cleanup, but don't rely on them to be an adequate cleaner