Anthrax Plane Plecostomus L235

A strongly flattened plane pleco with a charcoal to black body covered in small pale spots. The wide pectoral fins and low profile are adaptations for clinging to rock in fast water.

This profile is identified by L235 and the current assignment Pseudolithoxus anthrax. Do not merge it with a visually similar L-number without matching collection locality and diagnostic features.

Mature males usually develop a broader head and stronger odontodes on the cheeks and pectoral-fin rays. Females are generally fuller through the abdomen, although juveniles are difficult to sex.

Build a high-flow, highly oxygenated aquarium with smooth rock, secure crevices and excellent mechanical and biological filtration. Warm stagnant water, clogged substrates and low oxygen are serious risks.

Often secretive by day and more active after lights dim. It may be peaceful toward midwater fish but territorial with similar plecos competing for the same rock faces and shelters.

Can be maintained in a small group when every adult has a separate cave and feeding area.

Males defend tight caves but serious conflict is limited when the aquarium provides abundant hardscape.

Choose peaceful current-tolerant fish that do not occupy tight bottom crevices. Keep multiple plane plecos only where each can claim a separate shelter and feeding area.

Maintain stable, clean, oxygen-rich freshwater. Strong filtration and gas exchange are essential because warm water, protein-rich feeding, and loricariid waste can reduce oxygen and impair water quality.

Feed a mixed aufwuchs and invertebrate diet using quality sinking foods, small crustacean or insect-based foods and some algae or plant matter. It should not be maintained on vegetables alone.

Feed after lights dim and place food near every occupied cave. Confirm that subordinate fish eat, and remove rich leftovers before they affect water quality.

Reliable captive breeding reports are scarce. It is treated as a likely cave or crevice spawner with male brood care, so breeding should be considered a specialist project rather than expected in a community tank.