Paraná Giant Plecostomus L113

A giant pineapple-type pleco with a massive armoured body, broad head and bold pale spotting over a darker base. Juveniles give little warning of the adult’s weight and power.

Use the L-number identification L113 together with the current assignment Megalancistrus parananus. Do not merge it with visually similar forms without matching collection locality and diagnostic features.

Sex differences are difficult to confirm in immature fish. Mature males may develop stronger odontodes and a broader head, while females become fuller, but reliable sexing usually requires close examination.

Provide permanent very large housing with extensive floor space, powerful filtration, strong oxygenation and rockwork that cannot collapse. A mature fish produces heavy waste and can move unsecured decor.

Generally calm toward free-swimming fish but powerful, predatory and territorial around food and shelter. It can injure smaller plecos or consume vulnerable invertebrates.

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 as the principal bottom fish unless the system is exceptionally large. Tank mates must be robust, and ornamental shrimp, snails, fry and delicate bottom fish are unsuitable.

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.

Feed a varied omnivorous to carnivorous diet with quality sinking foods, crustacean and mollusc-based foods and some plant matter. It is not an algae-cleaning fish.

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.

Reliable home-aquarium breeding is not established. Its adult size, territorial behaviour and specialised spawning needs make reproduction impractical for most private keepers.