Feldberg’s Plecostomus L012/L013

A medium pleco with a brown to dark body patterned by pale spots, vermiculation or broken bands. Markings can vary with age and mood, and it has historically been confused with Peckoltia-type fishes.

Use the L-number identification L012, L013 together with the current assignment Ancistomus feldbergae. Do not merge it with visually similar forms without matching collection locality and diagnostic features.

Mature males generally develop stronger cheek and pectoral odontodes and a broader head. Females become fuller through the abdomen, but juveniles are difficult to sex.

Provide clean, well-oxygenated water, wood, rockwork and several tight caves. Break sight lines so adults can establish separate bottom territories.

Usually peaceful toward midwater fish but moderately territorial with other plecos. Males may become more defensive around caves in breeding condition.

Can be kept singly. A pair or group requires several appropriately sized caves and enough floor area for every adult to feed without being trapped.

Mature males commonly defend caves and favoured feeding areas from similarly shaped loricariids.

Keep with calm fish and avoid crowding the bottom with similarly shaped cave spawners. Separate shelters and feeding areas are important.

Maintain stable clean water with strong oxygenation. Warm water, protein-rich food, wood waste, and crowded hardscape can rapidly reduce oxygen and degrade water quality.

Offer a varied omnivorous diet of quality sinking foods, vegetable matter, biofilm and regular small invertebrate foods. It should not be treated as a dedicated algae eater.

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

The genus is expected to use male-guarded caves, but species-specific captive breeding information is limited. Breeding should be approached with mature fish, suitable caves and careful records.