- Sku: sku-42030380646494
Royal Pleco
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Select products qualify for free shipping on orders of $99 or more! Some exclusions apply, please see exclusions page in our shipping policy.
Live fish are typically shipped on Thursdays for Friday delivery, weather permitting.
Because shipping live fish is highly sensitive, all live fish orders require overnight shipping and may include additional shipping charges.
Shipments may be delayed during extreme heat, cold, or severe weather to help protect the health and safety of the fish.
Please make sure someone is available to receive the delivery on the scheduled delivery date.
- BodyCovered in heavy armor plates (not scales) with a bulky, football-like shape, except for a soft belly.
- ColorTypically a light grey or cement color with dark grey, irregular, or squiggly stripes.
- EyesDistinctive red eyes.
- FinsDorsal fins are often edged with cream or gold.
- SizeCan grow to over 16 inches (40 cm), with some species reaching up to 20 inches.
- Wood-Eaters:Unlike common algae-eating plecos, Royal Plecos have specialized teeth and symbiotic gut bacteria that allow them to digest wood.
- Dietary Needs:Requires driftwood in the aquarium for both grazing and shelter. They also consume algae, biofilm, and vegetables like cucumbers and spinach.
- Habitat:Native to fast-flowing, oxygen-rich waters of South American rivers, such as the Rio Orinoco and Amazon basins.
- Temperament:Generally peaceful towards other fish but can be territorial and aggressive towards other bottom-dwelling catfish species, requiring a large aquarium for multiple specimens.
- Tank Setup:Needs a large aquarium with robust filtration to handle their size and messy eating habits.
- Water:Requires warm, well-oxygenated water with a moderate to strong current to mimic their natural habitat.
- Species & L-Numbers:Several variants exist, such as the L190 (standard Royal Pleco), the L191 (Broken Striped Royal), the L330 (Watermelon Royal), and the L027 (Platinum Royal), each with unique patterns.
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Royal Pleco
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