L124 Peckoltia Sabaji/L75 PARA PLECO

Peckoltia sabaji (L124/L75 Para Pleco) – Complete Care Guide

Overview

• Common Names: Para Pleco, L124, L75, Sabaji Pleco

• Scientific Name: Peckoltia sabaji

• Origin: Rio Tapajós, Rio Xingu, and other tributaries in the Amazon Basin (Brazil)

• Size: 6–7 inches (15–18 cm)

• Lifespan: 8–12 years with proper care

• Temperament: Peaceful, shy

• Activity: Nocturnal

Natural Habitat

Peckoltia sabaji is native to fast-flowing, warm tributaries in the Amazon where the water is well-oxygenated and clear, with plenty of driftwood, rocks, and leaf litter. They tend to shelter in submerged wood and crevices during the day and forage at night.

Aquarium Setup

Tank Size

• Minimum: 30 gallons for one adult

• Ideal: 40–55 gallons or larger if keeping multiple plecos or tankmates

Tank Layout

• Substrate: Soft sand or fine gravel

• Décor:

  • Driftwood is essential (both for hiding and grazing biofilm)

  • Smooth rocks and caves for retreat

  • Dense areas of cover balanced with open swimming space

• Lighting: Dim to moderate (they’re light-sensitive)

Filtration & Flow

• Filtration: Strong biological and mechanical filtration

• Flow: Moderate to strong water movement to mimic riverine habitat

• Oxygenation: High—use air stones or surface movement

Water Parameters

• Temperature: 78–84°F (25.5–29°C)

• pH: 6.0–7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)

• Hardness: Soft to moderately hard (2–12 dGH)

• Ammonia/Nitrite: 0 ppm

• Nitrates: <20 ppm

Maintenance:

• Weekly water changes (25–40%) are critical

• Monitor oxygen levels closely, especially in warm temps

Diet & Feeding

Diet Type: Omnivorous with a preference for protein

Staple Foods:

• High-quality sinking carnivore pellets

• Algae wafers (though they are not strict herbivores)

• Sliced zucchini, cucumber, and sweet potato

• Occasional blanched spinach or green beans

Protein Sources:

• Bloodworms

• Blackworms

• Shrimp pellets

• Chopped raw shrimp or mussels (sparingly)

Feeding Tips:

• Feed in the evening or after lights go out

• Remove uneaten vegetables after 24 hours

• Avoid overfeeding protein—it can cause bloating and water quality issues

Behavior & Compatibility

Temperament:

• Peaceful and reclusive

• Non-aggressive, but may show mild territorial behavior toward other plecos in tight quarters

• Active primarily at night

Tank Mates:

• Good Choices:

  • Tetras, rasboras, dwarf cichlids, hatchetfish

  • Peaceful catfish (e.g., Corydoras)

  • Other plecos with different territories and hiding spots

• Avoid:

  • Aggressive or hyperactive fish

  • Large predatory species

  • Other wood-feeding plecos competing for the same diet

Breeding

Difficulty: Rare in home aquariums but possible with effort

Requirements:

• Sexing: Males have broader heads and more prominent odontodes (bristles)

• Cave spawning species—provide tight-fitting breeding caves

• Soft, warm water (around 82–84°F) with increased feeding and water changes can trigger breeding behavior

• Males guard the eggs in the cave; fry feed off yolk sacs before needing fine sinking foods

Raising Fry:

• Feed powdered fry food, baby brine shrimp, or crushed spirulina tabs

• Ensure excellent water quality and low flow in rearing tanks

Health Considerations

Common Issues:

• Bloating: From overfeeding or poor diet

• Gill flukes / parasites: Quarantine new arrivals

• Scrapes: Keep decor smooth to prevent injury

Signs of Good Health:

• Active at night

• Grazing behavior

• Vibrant spotted and striped pattern

• Strong feeding response

Special Notes

• Each L-number pleco has its own unique pattern; P. sabaji stands out with its contrasting dark body and creamy white to yellow spots and striped fins

• Colors intensify in clean water with a varied diet

• They’re not algae-eaters—don’t expect them to clean your tank

Conclusion

The L124/L75 Para Pleco is a striking and underrated pleco species that thrives in well-maintained, natural-style aquariums. With the right setup—plenty of hiding spaces, oxygen-rich water, and a protein-rich diet—Peckoltia sabaji will be a peaceful, beautiful addition to any tropical freshwater tank. Though shy, with time and good care, they may reward aquarists with occasional daytime appearances and long, healthy lives.