These fishes of fast-moving water need a well-filtered aquarium with high oxygen levels
Overview
Distribution
Colombia
Maximum Size
14.5cm (5.7")
Temperature
20-25°C
Water Parameters
pH: 6.8-7.8, dH: up to 25 degrees. High O2 level essential.
Compatibility
Specialist community
Lighting
No special requirements
Sexual Dimorphism
Mature males grow larger, have a broader head, and longer pelvic fins.
Feeding
Algae wafers, catfish pellets, granules, flake and frozen foods
Description
Care
The Spotted Bulldog Plec is known from tributaries of the Rio Meta in the area around Villavicencio, Colombia. Here the clear water flows quickly over substrates of bedrock where it is forced past boulders at speed and is saturated with oxygen. Such water courses are surrounded with marginal vegetation, and an aufwuchs-rich biofilm covers the rocky substrate, which these fish enjoy grazing upon. The aquarium should be mature, with a soft sand or fine rounded gravel substrate and various pieces of smooth rockwork and bogwood arranged to create lots of shady caves and crevices. As plants are not found in any great abundance in the natural habitat, they can be omitted from the aquascape, although a few areas of hardy vegetation (that can cope with current) will make the aquarium look more aesthetically pleasing and will help with water quality. There should be brisk water movement and a high level of oxygenation, perhaps provided by powerheads (in addition to the current generated by the filtration). Small frequent partial water changes will help keep nitrate to a minimum; as a riverine species these fish are rather sensitive to the build up of nitrogenous waste. The Spotted Bulldog Plec is generally peaceful, but it will show minor territorial aggression towards its own kind if not given enough space. In most instances though, they can be maintained in small groups as long as there is adequate room and enough hiding places to go round. Tankmates could include any medium sized peaceful shoaling fish that occupy the mid to upper levels of the water column and which also enjoy the fast-flowing conditions. May also be seen on sale as Spotted Rubbernose Plec.
Feeding
Small frozen foods such as white mosquito larvae, bloodworm, and Spirulina/vitamin-enriched brineshrimp; plus algae wafers and sinking catfish pellets/tablets. Will nibble on algae, aufwuchs, and soft-leaved plants. It is important to include a good proportion of vegetable matter in the diet, such as cucumber or courgette, and this should also limit damage to any aquatic plants.
Breeding
The Spotted Bulldog Plec has not been bred in the home aquarium. This species is a cave spawner and it is the male fish which guards the eggs.
Where can I buy these aquarium fish?
If you like this species and would like to find out more, we have an enormous range of aquarium fish and invertebrates available to buy in all of our stores across the UK (including freshwater tropical and marine fish).
However, please note that this species may not be available in your chosen store, even if the store specialises in this particular species. This is due to seasonality and stock availability from store-to-store. Please check with your local store about availability of specific species to purchase before making a journey.
For delivery before Christmas, orders must be placed on or before 3pm on Wednesday 20th December. We cannot guarantee delivery of these orders pre-Christmas as we are reliant on our couriers, but will use our best endeavours to get orders placed on this date out to you before Christmas. For full details of our festive delivery and opening times click here
Please note: online orders placed after 3pm on Friday 22nd December will not be dispatched until the New Year. For full details of our festive delivery and opening times click here
