L076 Orange Seam Pleco (Peckoltia cavatica) "Portel"

The L076 Orange Seam Pleco is a beautiful and relatively uncommon pleco known for its contrasting yellow, gold, to orange fin edging and dark, patterned body. These striking plecos have an understated appearance at first glance, but their intricate markings and contrasting fin seams make them especially attractive as they settle into the aquarium.

Our L076 Orange Seam Plecos are wild-caught specimens exported to us with a reported collection locality of Portel, Pará, Brazil. Locality information is particularly valuable with L-number plecos, where similar-looking populations may occur in different geographic areas.

While L076 Orange Seam Plecos have been successfully bred in captivity, captive breeding is still relatively uncommon compared with many of the more widely produced plecos in the aquarium hobby. This makes these wild-caught Portel specimens particularly interesting for pleco enthusiasts as well as aquarists interested in establishing captive breeding groups.

Appearance

The L076 Orange Seam Pleco has a predominantly charcoal-gray to dark brown body covered with darker bands and irregular markings.

Its most recognizable feature is the contrasting yellow, gold, or orange seam along the edges of the dorsal and caudal fins. Some individuals may also show lighter coloration along the edges of the other fins.

Color and pattern naturally vary from fish to fish. The intensity of the fin edging can range from subtle yellow or gold to a stronger orange and may change depending on the fish's age, condition, lighting, environment, and comfort level.

The photographs on this listing show actual L076 Orange Seam Plecos from Imperial Tropicals and provide a good representation of the natural coloration and pattern of our fish.

Origin & Locality

• Scientific Name: Peckoltia cavatica
• Common Name: L076 Orange Seam Pleco
• L-Number: L076
• Collection Type: Wild Caught
• Exporter-Reported Collection Locality: Portel, Pará, Brazil

These fish were supplied to Imperial Tropicals as wild-caught L076 from the Portel locality in Pará, Brazil.

L076 Orange Seam Pleco Care

• Adult Size: Approximately 5–6 inches
• Temperature: 77–84°F
• pH: Approximately 5.5–7.5
• Hardness: Soft to moderately hard
• Temperament: Generally peaceful; may be territorial with other plecos
• Diet: Omnivorous with a preference for protein-rich foods
• Aquarium Level: Bottom
• Care Level: Moderate
• Cave Dweller: Yes

Aquarium Setup

L076 Orange Seam Plecos do best in a well-maintained aquarium with good filtration, adequate oxygenation, and plenty of hiding places.

We recommend providing a combination of driftwood, rockwork, and appropriately sized pleco caves to create shaded retreats and individual territories.

Providing multiple caves becomes especially important when keeping several L076 or housing them with other plecos. Although these fish are generally peaceful toward unrelated tankmates, they can become territorial with other plecos and bottom-dwelling fish, particularly when competing for a preferred cave.

Good water quality and regular maintenance are especially important with wild-caught specimens.

Diet

The L076 Orange Seam Pleco is an omnivore that benefits from a varied diet containing a good amount of protein.

A varied diet can include:

• Quality sinking pleco and omnivore pellets
• Protein-rich sinking foods
• Frozen foods such as bloodworms
• Shrimp and other appropriate meaty foods
• Algae-based foods
• Occasional vegetable matter

L076 Orange Seam Plecos should not be purchased simply as algae-control fish. They require regular feeding with quality prepared and natural foods to maintain good health, growth, coloration, and breeding condition.

Compatibility & Tank Mates

L076 Orange Seam Plecos can be kept with a wide variety of peaceful to moderately sized tropical fish that appreciate similar water conditions.

Good tank mate options include:

• Tetras & Other Characins
• Rainbowfish
• South American Cichlids
• Plecos & Other Loricariids — provide adequate space and multiple caves when keeping more than one pleco.

Other peaceful community fish with similar water requirements can also make suitable tank mates.

When keeping L076 with other plecos or territorial bottom-dwelling fish, make sure the aquarium provides adequate space, multiple caves, hiding areas, and separate territories.

Breeding

L076 Orange Seam Plecos have been successfully bred in captivity, although captive breeding remains relatively uncommon.

Like many Peckoltia, they are cave-spawning plecos. Mature males select and defend suitable caves. After spawning, the male remains inside the cave where he guards and cares for the eggs and developing fry.

For experienced aquarists interested in breeding less commonly reproduced plecos, these wild-caught Portel L076 can make an especially interesting breeding project and may provide an opportunity to help establish this locality more consistently in captivity.

Providing appropriately sized breeding caves, excellent water quality, good oxygenation, a varied conditioning diet, and mature compatible fish will provide the best opportunity for successful spawning.

Wild-Caught Fish – Please Note

The L076 Orange Seam Plecos currently offered by Imperial Tropicals are wild caught.

As with any wild-caught fish, there can be considerable natural variation between individuals. No two fish will look exactly alike. Body pattern, background coloration, fin markings, and the intensity of the yellow, gold, or orange seams will vary.

Wild-caught fish may also temporarily appear darker, lighter, or less colorful following collection, shipping, and acclimation. Their normal coloration generally becomes more apparent once they have settled into their aquarium and become comfortable.

The photographs shown are of actual L076 Orange Seam Plecos from Imperial Tropicals and are intended to provide an accurate representation of our stock.

Shipping Information

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