Scientific Name: Peckolita sp.
Ease of Care: Easy
Approximate Arrival Size: 2 to 3 inches
Approximate Full Size: 6 inches
Native Region: South America
This pleco has very distinctive yellow/white banding on the dark body (tiger stripes) and horizontal yellow/white bands in the dorsal fin. The tail fin is sharply forked, with extensions along the fringe rays. The King Tiger Pleco is found in the rivers of Brazil. The under slung mouth of the pleco acts as a suction device to hold it in place, and to allow the specialized teeth to rasp algae off of rocks, plants and glass. The scales of the pleco act as armor plating and allow the pleco to survive with much larger fish. Most plecos will tolerate other plecos in the same aquarium, but there are exceptions, and plenty of hiding places are required. Generally long lived, the pleco can make a great addition as a scavenger in the aquarium. While these fish do well with eating algae and greens in the aquarium it is also important that they can supplement their diet with other foods so offering as much variety as possible is key.