Sold out
- Sku: sku-42030380646494
Royal Pleco
$49.99
$39.99
Shipping calculated at checkout.
Quality you can trust
We stand by the brands featured in our store. Reach out to us with any questions you may have before you buy!
Free Shipping! *
Select products qualify for free shipping on orders of $99 or more! Some exclusions apply, please see exclusions page in our shipping policy.
Physical Characteristics
- BodyCovered in heavy armor plates (not scales) with a bulky, football-like shape, except for a soft belly.
- ColorTypically a light grey or cement color with dark grey, irregular, or squiggly stripes.
- EyesDistinctive red eyes.
- FinsDorsal fins are often edged with cream or gold.
- SizeCan grow to over 16 inches (40 cm), with some species reaching up to 20 inches.
Diet & Habitat
- Wood-Eaters:Unlike common algae-eating plecos, Royal Plecos have specialized teeth and symbiotic gut bacteria that allow them to digest wood.
- Dietary Needs:Requires driftwood in the aquarium for both grazing and shelter. They also consume algae, biofilm, and vegetables like cucumbers and spinach.
- Habitat:Native to fast-flowing, oxygen-rich waters of South American rivers, such as the Rio Orinoco and Amazon basins.
Temperament & Tank Requirements
- Temperament:Generally peaceful towards other fish but can be territorial and aggressive towards other bottom-dwelling catfish species, requiring a large aquarium for multiple specimens.
- Tank Setup:Needs a large aquarium with robust filtration to handle their size and messy eating habits.
- Water:Requires warm, well-oxygenated water with a moderate to strong current to mimic their natural habitat.
Variations
- Species & L-Numbers:Several variants exist, such as the L190 (standard Royal Pleco), the L191 (Broken Striped Royal), the L330 (Watermelon Royal), and the L027 (Platinum Royal), each with unique patterns.
Have a question?
Royal Pleco
Chief's Treats and Pet Supplies
A dad building a future for his four boys!
I started this journey as an educator who helped guide countless minds on their own path. Each day I would ask myself, why haven't I taken my own advice? It's always been my dream to work with people and animals and what better way to do both than to start my own business where I can connect with other families and their pets?
Check out our blog! The newest NEWS about products and events!