Fishician®Diet
Omnivore – wood (essential), large sinking pellets, meaty foods, vegetables
Aquarium species profile
Acanthicus Adonis Pleco
Acanthicus adonis · South America (Brazil — Tocantins River)
Minimum tank300 gal
Adult size36"
Care levelDifficult
TemperamentSemi-Aggressive
Temperature78–86°F
pH range6.0–7.5
Compatible tank mates
Only very large robust fish; needs enormous tank
Tank mates to avoid
Other large plecos (very territorial), any fish it can outcompete
Care notes
One of the largest plecos in the world — can reach 3 feet. White spots on black body that fade with age. Highly armored with spines — handles rough. Requires truly enormous aquariums as an adult. Wood-eater. Produces massive waste. Only for very experienced keepers with monster tanks. Juveniles sold small but grow very large.
Check the whole aquarium. Tank size alone does not establish compatibility. Confirm adult size, water overlap, social grouping, territory, diet, and the individual animals before stocking.