Polka dot lyre-tail pleco

Acanthicus adonis

Juvenile white spots fade as a huge, territorial adult develops beyond ordinary home-aquarium provision.

Adult length: Up to 20.6 cm (standard length, without the tail fin)
Water temperature: 23–30 °C
pH: 6–7.5
Hardness: 2–12 dGH

Adults require exceptionally large facilities, strong filtration and high oxygen. The source calls for a base exceeding600x200cm for one adult; this is not verified stocking capacity.

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Appearance and identification

A broad flattened head, spiny flanks and extended lyre tail are distinctive; Acanthicus lacks an adipose fin. Adults may retain pale fin markings, so absence of body spots alone is not diagnostic.

Floor and movement space

Source advice for one adult exceeds a600x200cm base; this reference boundary does not verify sufficiency or stocking capacity.

Aquarium environment

Juvenile planting tolerance does not establish adult suitability: plants may be eaten or uprooted, and other bottom dwellers may face aggression.

Diet and feeding

Offer adequate, varied sinking foods including plant and animal components, monitoring body condition and actual intake.

Sources