Parancistrus

An attractive, medium-sized pleco found in the warm, fast-moving waters of Brazil’s Rio Xingu, the Peppermint Pleco or L031 is popular in the aquarium hobby due to its distinctive white spotted pattern and unique body shape. In nature, the species is largely herbivorous, feeding on algae mats, terrestrial and aquatic plants, and biofilms, but as with most herbivorous plecos they take in plenty of insect larvae, crustaceans, and other protein sources. In the aquarium, they are best kept in conditions similar to their wild habitat, with warm, well-oxygenated water with plenty of current and cover in the form of rocks and caves. A varied diet including plenty of vegetable matter will ensure this species thrives long-term.