L015 Candy Striped Pleco – Peckoltia vittata | Popular wildling with striped pattern

The L015 Candy Striped Pleco ( Peckoltia vittata ) is a beautiful and widespread L-number catfish from the Amazon region of Brazil. Its striking yellow-brown striped pattern resembles candy stripes – hence the name "Candy Striped Pleco". This contrasting coloration and its peaceful nature make it one of the most popular members of the Peckoltia genus.

The L015 remains compact, reaching a final size of approximately 10–12 cm, and is ideally suited for community aquariums. It is crepuscular, loves hiding places, and prefers slightly acidic, warm, and oxygen-rich water. With its lively yet peaceful nature, it enlivens any South American aquarium.

🌿 Characteristics & Attitude:
🐠 Fish size: L (8–10 cm)
🌎 Origin: Brazil (Amazon region, Rio Tapajós) – Wild caught
🌡️ Temperature: 25-30°C
💧 pH value: 6.0–7.5
⚖️ Total hardness: up to 15 °dGH
🐟 Social behavior: Peaceful, calm, slightly territorial towards other members of their species
🌾 Aquarium: From 100 liters, with roots, stones, sandy bottom & gentle current

🍽️ Feeding:
The Peckoltia vittata (L015) is an omnivore with a preference for animal-based food. It eats frozen and live foods (Artemia, Mysis, Cyclops), but also plant-based foods such as spirulina, seaweed wafers, vegetable chips, and zucchini. It enjoys rasping on wood in the aquarium.

💡 Tip:
A structurally rich aquarium with many roots and caves encourages natural behavior. The golden-yellow stripes of the L015 are shown off to particularly good effect against a dark substrate.

👉 Conclusion:
The L015 Candy Striped Pleco ( Peckoltia vittata ) is a peaceful, colorful wild-caught fish with a distinctive striped pattern – perfect for lovers of small, active Peckoltia species and natural South American aquariums.