L144 BLUE EYED LEMON PLECO 2 INCH

Scientific Name: Ancistrus sp. "L144 BLUE EYED LEMON"
Common Name: L144 Albino Bristlenose Pleco
Origin: Selectively bred from wild Ancistrus species; commonly traced to South America

Overview

The L144 BLUE EYED LEMON Pleco is a popular and hardy aquarium catfish, recognized for its pale yellow to white body coloration and distinct red or pink eyes. Unlike many plecos, it stays relatively small and is ideal for community aquariums. As a member of the Ancistrus genus, it is peaceful, easy to care for, and enjoys grazing on algae and soft plant matter. Males typically develop fleshy “bristles” on their snouts, adding to their unique appearance.

Tank Requirements

• Minimum Tank Size: 20 gallons for one adult

• Aquascape Style: Natural setup with wood, hiding places, and smooth rocks

• Substrate: Fine gravel, sand, or bare bottom

• Décor:

  • Provide driftwood (optional for diet but appreciated for shelter)

  • Caves or PVC tubes for resting and breeding

  • Live or artificial plants for shade and aesthetics

• Lighting: Low to moderate (prefers dim or shaded conditions)

• Filtration: Reliable filtration with gentle to moderate flow; sponge filters are ideal for fry

These plecos are bottom-dwellers and appreciate tank layouts that mimic slow-moving Amazonian tributaries.

Water Parameters

• Temperature: 74–80°F (23–27°C)

• pH Range: 6.5–7.5

• Hardness: 4–12 dGH

• Water Maintenance:

  • Weekly 25–40% water changes

  • Keep nitrates low (<20 ppm)

  • Stable parameters are more important than exact numbers

Albino plecos are adaptable, but they do best in clean, well-oxygenated tanks with consistent water quality.

Diet and Feeding

• Diet Type: Omnivore with a preference for plant-based food

• Staple Foods:

  • Sinking algae wafers

  • Spirulina flakes or pellets

  • Blanched vegetables (zucchini, cucumber, spinach, green beans)

• Protein Supplements:

  • Occasional frozen bloodworms, brine shrimp, or insect larvae

  • Repashy gel foods like “Soilent Green” or “Bottom Scratcher”

Feed once or twice daily in small amounts. Remove uneaten food to maintain water quality.

Behavior and Compatibility

• Temperament: Peaceful and reclusive

• Tank Behavior:

  • Nocturnal but will graze during the day in calm tanks

  • Males may become territorial with other bristlenose males if space is limited

• Compatible Tankmates:

  • Small to medium peaceful community fish (tetras, danios, gouramis, corydoras)

  • Avoid fin-nipping species or large aggressive cichlids

L144 Albino Plecos do not harm plants and rarely bother other fish.

Breeding

• Difficulty: Easy to moderate; commonly bred in home aquariums

• Spawning Setup:

  • Provide narrow caves or pleco tubes for males to guard eggs

  • Trigger spawning with cool water changes and protein-rich diet

• Breeding Behavior:

  • Males clean and guard the cave

  • Female lays eggs inside the cave; male fans them until they hatch

• Fry Care:

  • Fry feed on biofilm and powdered algae wafers or baby shrimp

  • Sponge filters are ideal to avoid fry loss in filtration

Fry grow quickly with good food and stable water conditions.

Health and Common Issues

• Generally Hardy

• Potential Issues:

  • Bloat from excess protein or spoiled vegetables

  • Fin damage from poor water or aggression

  • Sluggish behavior due to low oxygen or high nitrate levels

• Preventative Tips:

  • Provide varied diet and clean water

  • Avoid overcrowding

  • Monitor bristle development in males for injury or fungus

Routine maintenance and good nutrition go a long way in keeping them healthy.

Quick Reference

Summary

The L144 Albino Pleco is a fantastic choice for hobbyists of all levels, offering a balance of beauty, ease of care, and utility. Their ability to help manage algae, combined with a peaceful temperament and small size, makes them a perfect addition to most community aquariums. Give them caves, vegetables, and clean water—and they’ll thrive for years.