Our Guide To Keeping L201 Orinoco Angel Pleco

1. About Fish Species:

   • Scientific name: Hypancistrus sp.
   • Common name: Orinoco Angel Pleco
   • Family: Loricariidae
   • Origin: Orinoco River Basin in South America
   • Adult length: Approximately 10-12 cm (4-5 inches)
   • Lifespan: 10-15 years

2. Tank Setup:

   • Orinoco Angel Plecos prefer a tank with plenty of hiding spots like caves, driftwood, and rocks. A minimum tank size of 30 gallons is recommended for a single specimen.
   • Provide a substrate with smooth gravel or sand to prevent injury to their delicate barbels.

3. Water Parameters:

   • Maintain water temperature between 25 to 29°C (77 to 84°F).
   • Keep the pH level slightly acidic to neutral, ideally between 6.5 to 7.5.
   • Ensure good water quality with regular water changes and efficient filtration.

4. Filtration and Water Flow:

   • Provide gentle to moderate water flow in the aquarium. Use a filter that doesn't create strong currents to avoid stressing the fish.

5. Diet:

   • Offer a varied diet including high-quality sinking pellets, algae wafers, and fresh vegetables like zucchini and cucumber.
   • Supplement their diet with occasional treats of live or frozen foods like bloodworms and brine shrimp.

6. Tank mates:

   • Orinoco Angel Plecos are peaceful and can be kept with other peaceful community fish that prefer similar water conditions.
   • They may display territorial behavior towards their own species, so it's best to keep only one Orinoco Angel Pleco per tank unless in a large aquarium with plenty of hiding spots.

7. Behavior and Compatibility:

   • Orinoco Angel Plecos are nocturnal and spend much of the day hiding in caves or under driftwood.
   • They are generally peaceful but may become territorial towards other bottom-dwelling fish or if overcrowded.