The L144 Pleco (Ancistrus sp.) is a South American suckermouth catfish from the Loricariidae family. The L144 Pleco is one of the most readily and often bred "pleco" species in the aquarium hobby, despite being a member of a relatively uncommon family.
The appendages are grown in both sexes, but the growth and length is considerably more prominent in males. The "L144" species name is thought to be a misnomer, and it's widely assumed that the actual L144 pleco isn't bred or even seen in captivity, but was utilized in developing this color variant of Ancistrus.
The L144 Pleco is primarily nocturnal, but if it is given enough driftwood, rockwork, and other hiding places in an aquarium, it will become active during the day. The highly varied Lemon yellow to the brown-and-tan marbled pattern of this fish, as well as the development of a number of bristle-like appendages on its face throughout adolescence, distinguish it immediately. This species won't harm most plants, but it will consume a lot of algae in the aquarium, especially as a juvenile.
It is unclear whether it consumes wood excessively, like certain plecos, but it may benefit from additional wood (or bio-matter on driftwood) in its diet. Feed the L144 Pleco a diet rich in plant matter, such as high-quality vegetable flakes, sinking algae wafers, and pellets.
It also likes to be fed some fresh veggies, such as shelled peas, zucchini, spinach and cucumber. When given in appropriate quantities, occasional meaty foods such as bloodworms can be beneficial. Because this fish feeds frequently, an excess of flesh/animal protein in its diet can be harmful to both the fish and the amount of waste it generates in the tank.
Quick Facts about L144 Pleco
L144 Pleco Care
The L144 Pleco is a peaceful, nocturnal suckerfish that does well in a community aquarium with other non-aggressive fish. The L144 Pleco is an algae eater and will consume most types of algae in the aquarium.
It also requires a diet rich in plant matter, such as high-quality vegetable flakes, sinking algae wafers, and pellets. The L144 Pleco may also benefit from occasional meaty foods, such as bloodworms, but too much animal protein in its diet can be harmful.
The L144 Pleco is a cave-dweller and does best in an aquarium with plenty of hiding places. Provide the L144 Pleco with driftwood, rockwork, and other hiding places in the aquarium. The L144 Pleco is also a good choice for a planted aquarium as it is not known to eat plants.
The L144 Pleco requires a tank size of at least 30 gallons and should be kept in water with a temperature of 22.0-26.0°C, a pH of 6.5-7.5, and a KH of 6-10 dKH. With proper care, the L144 Pleco can live long and prosper in the home aquarium.
L144 Pleco Size
This is a very practical and manageable fish, with a maximum size of 4-5 inches. Since they are small in size they can live in a tank of as little as 30 to 40 gallons provided it is well-maintained, which is why they are popular among aquarium hobbyists. It takes approximately 2 years for L144 Pleco to grow to their full size.
L144 Pleco Lifespan
They can live for 10-15 years if properly cared for and kept healthy. Some of the factors that affect lifespan are water quality, diet and whether or not they experience stress.
L144 Pleco Appearance
Males will develop bushy appendages around their mouths and on top of the head. Some adult females will have a few bristles around their mouths, but not like males. - The unusual feature of this species is only seen in the genus Ancistrus. Their eyes are either blue or black. Even the juveniles have wonderful colors and they don't get very big (4-5 inches max). Their body has a yellow to brown color which gives them a very good appearance.
There are Longfin L144 Pleco as well as Shortfin L144 Pleco. The only difference between these two is the length of their fins. Longfin will have longer dorsal and ventral fins as compared to Shortfin.
The L144 Pleco comes in a variety of shapes and hues, with the majority classified as L144 Lemon Pleco, L144 Longfin Blue Eyed Pleco, Albino L144 Pleco, L144 Blue Eye Lemon Bristlenose Pleco, or L144 Red Eyed Pleco on the basis of their looks.
L144 Pleco Behavior
The L144 Pleco is a low-maintenance fish that may be kept in almost any aquarium. The Fish Cave is where these fish were reared in tanks. It is said that they require a lot of hiding places and flourish in an aquarium with planted vegetation. They are bottom dwellers and do best when kept with other peaceful fish.
They are nocturnal so you won’t see them much during the day but at night, they will come out to forage for food. They are compatible with most other fish as long as they are not too small (they may be eaten) or aggressive (as they may harass the pleco). They may become territorial with their own species, which is why only one per tank is advised unless the tank is big enough to accommodate a small group.
L144 Pleco Food & Diet
Ancistrus plecos are omnivores that consume both meaty meals and plant matter, although they appear to eat more vegetation than meaty foods. They're safe for planted aquariums in most cases, and they'll probably aid with algae control as a juvenile. It may also scour and devour the majority of uneaten fish food.
They are a tiny breed of pleco, as compared to other species. They are fed a diet of fresh vegetables, including no salt-added French-cut green beans and fresh zucchini. They're also given a varied diet of wafers and pellets. It is better to feed them algae wafers, and once a week frozen or live foods.
L144 Pleco Tank Mates
L144 Pleco is generally peaceful and other tankmates are unlikely to be targeted. The L144 Pleco, on the other hand, may eat tiny dwarf shrimp fry.
L144 Pleco, like other Plecos, are bottom-feeders and may be kept with fish as small as themselves. Your L144 Pleco will need a place to retreat to when alarmed or during the day when they prefer to sleep. A piece of driftwood or a large rock cave should be provided. An aquarium with plenty of hiding places is ideal for your L144 Pleco to ensure its stress levels are low.
L144 Plecos generally pair well with the following fish:
If kept with other bottom-dwelling fish, L144 Pleco will not get enough to eat since they are not fast swimmers and will miss out on much of the food that is floating around in the tank. So it is best to keep them with fish that occupy different levels of the aquarium. This will ensure your L144 Pleco gets enough to eat and won't go hungry.
L144 Pleco Tank Setup
L144 Pleco is a freshwater fish that come from South America. Their natural habitat is in slow-moving waters with plenty of vegetation. They are found in rivers, streams, and lakes.
Essential things for setting up the L144 Pleco tank are:
- Minimum 30 gallons tank: A 30-gallon tank is a minimum size for one L144 Pleco, but a larger tank is always better.
- Filter: A canister filter is best, but a hang-on-back filter will also work. Be sure to get one that is rated for at least twice the size of your tank.
- Heater: L144 Pleco like the water to be warm, between 71 and 78 degrees Fahrenheit. So if you are living in a cold climate, you will need a heater to maintain the water temperature.
- Substrate: A sandy substrate is best for L144 Pleco, as they like to bury themselves in the sand when they sleep during the day. Gravel can also be used, but avoid sharp gravel as it can damage their barbels.
- Plants: Live plants are best, as they will help to keep the water quality high. L144 Pleco likes to hide among the plants, so be sure to include plenty of hiding places.
- Driftwood: Driftwood is a good addition to any pleco tank as it provides hiding places and helps to keep
L144 Pleco Breeding
The process of breeding L144 Plecos is rather simple. A ratio of 2 females to 1 male is ideal, but a pair will almost certainly breed because they are not picky. A well-prepared female will become gravid rapidly, therefore meaty foods will certainly get her going. Frequently, a cooler water change is the last step in a sequence of temperature treatments.
A small, well-sealed cave will also assist the breeding process. Your male will enjoy this area as his own and will entice her to enter it, at which point he'll basically pin her down until fertilization has taken place. She becomes redundant at this point, and he takes control. He will fan the eggs for two weeks without eating, and he won't depart until they hatch. So during this time, they must be fed well.
L144 Pleco Fry
After two weeks or so, the tiny orange eggs will hatch. They'll be like eggs with little tails for the first few days. During the first few days, the fry will eat the egg sacks, which will keep them alive and allow them to grow substantially.
When the fry has devoured the egg sacks, the male will allow them to leave the cave and they will be completely self-sufficient. After that, kids will eat what they can get their hands on, much like their parents.
The fry is delicate, so be sure to remove the parents after two weeks, or they will surely become a meal. The fry must be kept in exceptionally clean water and fed in small amounts frequently. They grow quickly, but it takes almost a year or more for them to reach full size.
L144 Pleco Diseases
Li44 Pleco can suffer from a few different diseases. Some of these diseases are caused by poor water quality, while others are caused by parasites. It's important to keep your pleco's tank clean and free of debris to prevent disease.
FAQ
Do L144 Pleco Clean Your Tank?
L144 Pleco does a great job of cleaning up algae and debris in your tank. They are especially good at cleaning glass, which can be difficult to keep clean with other fish.
How Big Can a L144 Pleco Get?
Usually, they will only get to be about 4-5 inches long. Some can grow larger, up to 6 or 7 inches.
What Fish Can Live With L144 Pleco?
L144 are peaceful fish and can live with most other community fish. It's best to avoid keeping them with very small fish, as they may eat them. Some of the suitable tankmates for L144 Pleco are Cichlids, Guppies, Gouramis, Angelfish, Mollies, Platies and other Catfish Species
Can I Have 2 L144 Pleco in the Same Tank?
Yes, you can keep more than one L144 Pleco in the same tank as long as the tank is large enough to accommodate them. It's best to keep them in pairs or groups, as they are social fish. But 2 males may fight each other, so it's best to keep 1 male and 2 or more females.
Do L144 Pleco like Sand or Gravel?
L144 Pleco prefers a sandy substrate, but they will also do fine in gravel. They like to dig and sift through the substrate looking for food.
How Can I Tell the Age of My L144 Pleco?
It is feasible to determine a fish's age based on its size.
After two years, Bristlenose Plecos reach their maximal size and halt growing. It must be younger than two years old if your fish is still growing.
Final Thoughts
L144 Pleco is a peaceful, hardy fish that makes a great addition to any community tank. They are easy to care for and can live for many years with proper care. These fish are great algae eaters and will help keep your tank clean. They are also active and interesting to watch. If you're looking for a pleco that's a little different from the rest, the L144 Pleco is a great choice.
With proper water maintenance and a good diet, your L144 Pleco will thrive in your aquarium. They are prone to a few diseases, but these can be prevented with good tank care. Their color and appearance make them a beautiful addition to any aquarium, and their peaceful nature makes them a great choice for community tanks. Thanks for reading!!
