{"product_id":"l015-candy-striped-pleco-peckoltia-vittata","title":"L015 Candy Striped Pleco (Peckoltia vittata)","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRemarks:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan style=\"mso-spacerun: yes;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e \u003c\/strong\u003e \u003c\/span\u003eOne of the most coveted members of the \u003ci\u003ePeckoltia\u003c\/i\u003e genus is a pleco known as the L015 candy stripe pleco (\u003ci\u003ePeckoltia vittata\u003c\/i\u003e). With bold black stripes on their pinkish-orange bodies, they show some of the best color of any \u003ci\u003ePeckoltia\u003c\/i\u003e available in the hobby. The intensity of this coloration depends on genetics, environment, and the current mood of the fish. Not only is the medium-sized pleco beautiful, they have been noted to not be as territorial as their relatives. In fact, they are actually social and like being kept in groups of five or more provided there is enough space and a cave for every fish.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"mso-spacerun: yes;\"\u003e  \u003c\/span\u003eWhile the L015 candy stripe pleco is uncommon in the fishkeeping hobby, they are a common sight in their expansive native range. In the wild, they can be found throughout the middle and lower Amazon River basin in rivers and streams with very warm, soft, acidic, and well oxygenated conditions. In these habitats, the L015 candy stripe pleco hides in rocky caves and feeds on tiny crustaceans, insect larvae, decaying plants, and biofilm. For the L015 candy stripe pleco to thrive in the home aquarium, these conditions should be replicated along with ensuring the water remains very clean through proper filtration and frequent water changes. This along with supplemental aerators will also help with keeping oxygen levels high. A varied diet high in protein will further ensure the L015 candy stripe pleco remains healthy as while they are omnivores, they have a heavy carnivorous leaning. Gel foods, sinking tablets, fresh vegetables, and frozen thawed foods such as blood worms and mysis shrimp are all good choices.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"mso-spacerun: yes;\"\u003e  \u003c\/span\u003eThe L015 candy stripe pleco is peaceful for the most part with aggression only ever occurring between males when fighting over territory. If keeping multiple males in the same tank, ensure the tank is big enough to accommodate every fish and has plenty of caves for them to choose from. If conditions are right and females are present, these caves are also where the L015 candy stripe pleco will spawn and care for its fry until they have hatched and absorbed their yolk. With their decent size and peaceful nature, these plecos can be excellent tankmates for many South American fish. Just ensure these tankmates are not overly territorial or large enough to swallow the L015 candy stripe pleco.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Imperial Tropicals","offers":[{"title":"3-4\" Unsexed Rio Xingu","offer_id":54133097169203,"sku":"K-05, K-06","price":54.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0764\/6524\/2419\/files\/L015CandyStripedPleco1Website.jpg?v=1790275958","url":"https:\/\/imperialtropicals.com\/products\/l015-candy-striped-pleco-peckoltia-vittata","provider":"Imperial Tropicals","version":"1.0","type":"link"}