Red Tail Sternella Pleco L-114

The Red Tail Sternella Pleco, also known as L-114 or Pseudacanthicus sp., is a beautiful and sought-after species of catfish in the aquarium hobby. It belongs to the Loricariidae family and is native to the Amazon River basin in South America.

The L-114 Pleco is known for its striking appearance, characterized by a dark body covered in small white spots and a bright red or orange tail. It has a robust body shape with long, bristle-like odontodes covering its head and along the edges of its pectoral and dorsal fins. These bristles are more pronounced in mature males.

In terms of care, the Red Tail Sternella Pleco requires a spacious aquarium with plenty of hiding places like caves, driftwood, or rock formations. They appreciate a sandy substrate, as they may sift through it in search of food. Adequate filtration and regular water changes are necessary to maintain good water quality.

Water parameters for the L-114 Pleco should be maintained within certain ranges. They prefer slightly acidic to neutral water conditions, with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.5. The temperature should be kept between 75-82°F (24-28°C). Providing a moderate water flow and ensuring the aquarium is well-aerated is beneficial for their overall health.

The Red Tail Sternella Pleco is primarily a carnivorous species, but it will also consume some plant matter. In the aquarium, they can be fed a varied diet consisting of high-quality sinking pellets, frozen or live foods such as bloodworms, brine shrimp, or blackworms. Supplementing their diet with some vegetable matter, like blanched zucchini or spirulina-based foods, is recommended.

The L-114 Pleco can be territorial and may exhibit aggressive behavior, especially towards other bottom-dwelling or similarly-shaped fish. It's important to provide ample space and hiding spots to reduce aggression and provide territories. They are best kept with larger, robust fish that can handle their behavior.

Breeding the Red Tail Sternella Pleco can be challenging in the home aquarium. They are cave spawners, and the female will lay adhesive eggs on the ceilings or walls of caves. The male guards the eggs and fans them with his pectoral fins to provide oxygen. The fry can be fed crushed flakes or powdered fry food.

It's important to note that the Red Tail Sternella Pleco can grow quite large, reaching lengths of up to 12-14 inches (30-35 cm). Therefore, providing a suitably sized aquarium and considering their long-term care requirements is crucial before acquiring this species.

Overall, the Red Tail Sternella Pleco is a visually stunning fish that can be a rewarding addition to a well-maintained aquarium. However, they require specific care and attention due to their size and potential aggression, so it's important to be well-prepared to meet their needs.