Acanthicus hystrix  - Jet black and heavily spined body with serrations/bristles along the front fins. This is a very distinctive looking plec and grows to an enormous size!

Found in the middle Amazon, these plecos have armour plating on the top of their bodies and so are suitable tank mates for both peaceful and aggressive fish. Plecos help to keep the tank clean by eating algae and detritus from the bottom of the tank, they are generally nocturnal. This particular pleco can become very territorial with other plecs and so they will require enough room to hold their own territory/cave and hiding places. Omnivorous and prefers plenty of protein in its diet.

Maximum size: 55cm in aquarium (100cm in the wild!)

Lifespan: 5-8 years

Temperature: 20-29 degrees celsius

Tank requirements: Filter & Oxygen, Heater

Tank Mates: Other freshwater tropical fish.

Feeding: Good Quality Pleco Pellets & Wafers, Fresh cucumber or courgette, Frozen and live food.