Care Level: Moderate

Temperament: Semi-Aggressive

Live Plant Safe: With Caution

General Description: The Royal Broken Striped Plecostomus or Pleco for short, also known as the L191 Pleco, are native to highly oxygenated and fast flowing waters of the Rio Orinoco in Venezuela and Colombia. The Royal broken striped pleco is an eye-catching one, with its unique body shape that is dark in color and decorated with faint stripes that break across the body. This character separates it from the similarly looking Royal Striped Plecostomus, or L190, which has continuous stripes. Contrary to popular belief, the Royal broken striped pleco has little interest in algae or anything of the sort, requiring a diet of predominately driftwood. This pleco will almost entirely ignore all other fish in the aquarium, with the exception of other bottom-dwelling plecos or catfish species that it will show aggression toward. Only one Royal broken striped pleco should be kept per aquarium, unless the aquarium is very large and ample refuge places are provided. An adult Royal broken striped pleco can reach a size of approximately 15″.

Diet Requirements: Royal broken striped plecostomus are wood eaters by nature, thus absolustely requiring a number of wood pieces. Otherwise, it may scavenge other foods on the bottom of the aquarium. A diet made up of various high quality frozen foods such as bloodworms, mussels or mysis shrimp are ideal in addition to sinking dried foods or gel foods that contain spirulina. Offering blanched pieces of zucchini occasionally can be attempted, but may not be accepted. Variety is the spice of life in order to maintain color, immune function and longevity of your fish.

Care Requirements: An established minimum 75 gallon aquarium is ideal for a small Royal broken striped pleco, though a larger tank will be needed as it grows. This species requires relatively clean water that is low in nitrates (< 20 ppm) and highly oxygenated. It would also prefer more generous water movement, but this is not necessary to keep this species successfully. A Royal broken striped pleco should not be introduced into a biologically immature aquarium, as they are sensitive to nitrite and ammonia. As they obtain size, plecostomus add quite a significant amount of bioload (or biological load, in terms of waste) in your aquarium. Do not become complacent on water changes for this very reason. Equipping the aquarium with a canister filter can also be advantageous to maintain a healthier environment that has a Royal broken striped pleco in it. The aquarium should have a fine to sandy substrate and aquascaped with generous amounts of soft driftwood for this species to feed on. Rocks or other arrangments would also be appreciated. Predominately nocturnal, it is not uncommon for your Royal broken striped pleco to hang on driftwood or hide most of the day. Royal broken striped plecos have been observed to eat soft-leaved plants. Given their large adult size, they can be successfully kept in many cichlid set-ups. Recommended water conditions, 72-82° F, KH 0-30, pH 5.5-7.5.

Purchase Size: Small: 2”, Medium: 2-1/2” to 3-1/2”, Large: 4” to 5”

Note: Your item may not look identical to the image provided due to variation within species. Purchase sizes are approximate.