Common Name: Slate Pleco
Scientific Name: Pseudancistrus genisetiger
The Slate Pleco is a wild-caught pleco from northeastern Brazil. It is a gray, armored pleco with the flattened body and sucker mouth typical of the group, well suited to clinging to rocks in flowing water.
Habitat and Distribution:
Pseudancistrus genisetiger is native to the Jaguaribe River basin in Ceará, northeastern Brazil, where it lives among rocks in flowing water. These habitats provide plenty of surfaces for grazing and crevices for shelter, and the flowing water keeps oxygen levels high.
Size and Lifespan:
It reaches about 4-5 inches (10-13 cm). Most plecos of this size live 10 years or more with good care.
Diet and Behavior:
It is omnivorous and grazes algae, biofilm and small invertebrates in the wild. In the aquarium, offer algae wafers, sinking pellets and vegetables such as zucchini. It is peaceful, though it may be territorial with other plecos. Feed a varied diet and remove uneaten food promptly to protect water quality.
Breeding and Reproduction:
Plecos of this type are cave spawners. The female lays a clutch of eggs inside a cave or crevice, and the male guards and fans the eggs and then the newly hatched fry until they are ready to leave. Providing several caves, excellent water quality and good water movement gives the best chance of spawning.
Aquarium Care and Tank Requirements:
A tank of at least 30 gallons is recommended. Provide plenty of driftwood, caves and rockwork, a sand or fine gravel substrate, and efficient filtration with good water movement and high oxygen levels. Regular water changes are essential to maintain water quality. The water temperature should be kept between 75-82°F (24-28°C), with a pH of 6.5-7.5 and soft to moderately hard water. New arrivals should be acclimated slowly.
Ideal Tank Mates:
They can be kept with a wide range of peaceful community fish, such as tetras, rasboras, corydoras, dwarf cichlids and other small catfish. Provide a cave for each pleco and avoid housing them with large, aggressive species that may stress or injure them. As with any aquarium, introduce new fish carefully and watch for signs of stress or aggression.
Difficulty Level:
Beginner to Intermediate. It is a hardy, adaptable pleco that does well in a well-maintained aquarium. Aquarists with some basic experience should find it straightforward to keep.
Water Parameters:
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Temperature: 75-82°F (24-28°C)
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pH: 6.5-7.5
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General Hardness (GH): 4-12 dGH
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Carbonate Hardness (KH): 2-8 dKH
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Ammonia: 0 ppm
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Nitrite: 0 ppm
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Nitrate: <20 ppm (regular water changes required)
Additional Information:
- Provide caves, driftwood and good water movement.
- Like most plecos, it is most active in the evening, which is the best time to feed.
- It will graze on algae and biofilm, but still needs its own food.
The Slate Pleco is an uncommon, easy-going pleco for community aquariums. With the right setup and care, it will be a rewarding addition for many years.
