Gibbiceps Pleco

Common & Latin Name: Gibbiceps Pleco (Pterygoplichthys gibbiceps)

Care level: Easy
Max Size: 50cm
Diet: Omnivore
Temp: 23-27°C
PH: 6.5-8
Purchase size: 5-6cm

The Gibbiceps Pleco is one of the largest plecos widely available in the hobby. They grow to an astonishing 50cm if they are provided adequate space and nutrition. The Aquarium needs to be at least 6ft in length with soft acidic water and dim lighting. The addition of bog wood and caves will help the pleco find a shady place to rest and feel secure. Any decor must be fixed down securely as these fish are powerful enough to move most things as they pass. Bull in a china shop style. Plants can be added, but we recommend epiphytes such as anubias and java fern as other plants may end up getting dug up or accidentally moved. Whilst they will not eat the plants themselves, they can often be observed trying to rasp algae off the leaves. Bog wood is also an important addition to the aquarium as it is part of the pleco's diet.

Gibbies, like most plecos are peaceful and pay very little mind when it comes to their tank mates. They can however be very territorial with their own kind and other similar sized plecos. If more that one specimen is to be housed in the same tank, adequate space must be provided so that they can each have their own spot in the aquarium. Ideal tank mates can be anything from the smaller tetras such as neons to some of the largest cichlids like Uaru.

Food can be offered in the form of algae wafers as well as a variety of vegetables like cucumber, courgette and pumpkins. Larger specimens benefit from additional protein sources mysis shrimp and chopped krill. 

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