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Species profile

Peacock Sailfin Plecostomus L347

Pterygoplichthys sp. (L347)

Common names: Peacock Sailfin Plecostomus, Peacock Pleco, Acary Pavao, L347

Undescribed speciesPlecostomus

Adult size

Up to 50 cm

Typical adult length 40–50 cm.

Up to 50 cm

Countries of origin

  • See all stock from Brazil

Good fit for your tank?

Good fit for

  • A keeper with permanent very large housing
  • A heavily filtered display built around one large pleco
  • An aquarist prepared for substantial waste and long-term growth

Think carefully if

  • You are buying a juvenile for a medium community tank
  • There is no realistic adult housing plan
  • You expect a low-waste algae cleaner
  • The aquarium has delicate plants or unstable decor

Peacock Sailfin Plecostomus L347 is a South American sailfin pleco reaching about 50.0 cm. It requires a very large aquarium, powerful filtration, substantial floor space, and deliberate daily feeding.

Appearance and Identification

L347 is a large peacock sailfin pleco with a tall dorsal fin and an ornate spotted or reticulated pattern over the body and fins. Its adult requirements match other giant sailfin plecos.

L347 is an undescribed Pterygoplichthys form reported from the Rio do Pará. It can resemble L165 and other sailfin plecos, so provenance and the retained L-number are important.

External sex differences are subtle. Mature males may develop a broader head, stronger pectoral odontodes and a more pointed genital papilla, while females may become fuller through the abdomen.

Tank Requirements

Suggested filter
About 2,800–3,500 litres an hour
Suggested heater
About 700–1050 W for this tank
Minimum tank volume
700 litres
Minimum tank length
200 cm
Minimum group size
1
Recommended group size
1
Activity level
Moderate
Flow preference
Moderate
Planting preference
Lightly planted
Hiding places
Yes
Lid recommended
Yes
Jumping risk
Low

Plan for a very large adult from the beginning, with extensive floor space, powerful filtration, strong oxygenation and sturdy decor. Heavy waste production, plant disturbance and the need for open turning room make small community tanks unsuitable.

Behaviour and Tankmates

Usually calm toward free-swimming fish but forceful around food and shelter. Adults may become territorial with other large plecos and can shift loose decor.

Usually peaceful toward unrelated midwater fish but may outcompete slower bottom dwellers for food and shelter.

Adults, especially males, may defend preferred resting or feeding areas from similarly shaped loricariids.

Choose robust, non-aggressive companions and avoid crowded bottom communities. Slow broad-bodied fish should be monitored in case the pleco attempts to rasp their slime coat.

Check tankmates for this species

Water Parameters

Temperature
25–29 °C
pH
5.5–7.5
GH
0–20
KH
0–5
TDS
30–320
Stability importance
Important

Maintain warm, clean, well-oxygenated water with powerful filtration. The fish is active for its size and requires a long aquarium rather than only high water volume.

Parameter caveat
Acclimate slowly to changes in temperature and conductivity. Warm water and heavy feeding require strong aeration, frequent maintenance, and consistently low ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate.

Feeding

Diet types
Aufwuchs Grazer, Omnivore, Scavenger
Feeding frequency
Daily
Preferred foods
  • Quality omnivore sinking waferUse a food containing plant matter, algae, fibre, and moderate animal protein.
  • Blanched courgette, squash, or green beanProvides fibre and plant matter; remove leftovers before they deteriorate.
  • Frozen brine shrimp, mysis, or insect larvaeOffer modest portions in rotation rather than using rich animal food as the staple.
  • Natural biofilm and soft algaeMaintain mature wood and rock surfaces for supplementary grazing.

Offer a varied omnivorous diet with vegetable-based sinking foods, fresh vegetables, biofilm and measured animal protein. Natural algae and leftovers are not enough for a growing adult.

Feed after lights dim and distribute food near more than one shelter. Remove uneaten vegetables and rich foods before they affect water quality.

Breeding

Breeding type
Egg Layer, Substrate Spawner
Breeding difficulty
Specialist
Brood or egg count
Wild clutches may be large; dependable normal-aquarium fecundity data are not available.
Parental care
Paternal care
Baby foods
  • Mature biofilmContinuous grazing supports fry between targeted feeds.
  • Powdered omnivore waferFeed very small portions close to shelter several times daily.
  • Newly hatched brine shrimpUse as supplementary protein once fry can take moving prey.

Home-aquarium breeding is generally impractical because Pterygoplichthys normally excavate deep nesting burrows. Commercial reproduction uses systems far larger than an ordinary aquarium.

Habitat and Origin

Geographic origin
Amazon Basin, Brazil, South America
Natural habitat
Floodplain, Freshwater River, Sand/Mud Substrate
Aquarium contexts
Very Large Freshwater Aquarium
Audience level
Specialist

Classification

Profile type
Undescribed species
Genus
Pterygoplichthys
Family
Loricariidae
Species group
Fish, Plecostomus
Previous scientific names
Glyptoperichthys sp. (L347), Older aquarium generic placement used before Glyptoperichthys was treated within Pterygoplichthys.

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