LDA031 Mustard Spot Pleco (Panaqolus albomaculatus)
LDA031 Mustard Spot Pleco (Panaqolus albomaculatus) is backordered and will ship as soon as it is back in stock.
Delivery and Shipping
Delivery and Shipping
Product Refunds & Returns
- Returns can be processed within 14 days from purchase.
- To return products, they must be in original condition
- Shipping expenses are not refundable
- If your items have been damaged in shipping, please contact us within 24 hours of receipt with photos, and we will assist you.
Dead on Arrival (DOA) Policy – Shipped Orders Only
- We guarantee live arrival on all shipped livestock when:
- The package is received on the first delivery attempt.
- Clear photos of the unopened shipping bag and deceased animal are emailed to us within 2 hours of delivery confirmation.
- If these conditions are met, we will provide a replacement or store credit. Shipping charges are non-refundable.
7-Day Livestock Guarantee (Local & Shipped Orders)
- We guarantee our livestock for 7 days from purchase/delivery if our care recommendations and tank requirements were followed.
- Proof Required: We may require photos of the deceased animal, proof of purchase (receipt/order number), and/or a water sample from your tank for testing.
Livestock Refunds, Returns, & Surrenders
- Local customers may return livestock within 72 hours of purchase for a refund, provided the animal is alive and in original condition. Returns must be brought to the store; we do not provide pickup services.
LDA031 Mustard Spot Pleco (Panaqolus albomaculatus)
Description
Description
LDA031 Mustard Spot Pleco (Panaqolus albomaculatus), also known as the Orange Spot Pleco, is a small, wood-eating Loricariid native to the upper Amazon basin. It's a peaceful and attractive species ideal for medium-sized aquariums.
Species Overview
- Scientific Name: Panaqolus albomaculatus (syn. Panaque albomaculatus)
- Common Names: Mustard Spot Pleco, Orange Spot Pleco, LDA031
- Size: Up to 12.4 cm (4.9") standard length ; some sources report up to 15 cm (5.9")
- Origin: Ecuador, Peru, and southern Colombia — tributaries of the Río Suno, Napo, Marañón, and Ucayali rivers
Habitat & Tank Setup
- Tank Size: Minimum 40 gallons for adults
- Substrate: Sand or fine gravel
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Decor:
- Bogwood is essential — they rasp on it for nutrition and shelter
- Smooth rocks and caves for hiding
- Floating plants or shaded areas to diffuse light
- Lighting: Dim to moderate
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Water Parameters:
- Temperature: 25–29°C (77–84°F)
- pH: 6.0–7.5
- Hardness: Soft to moderately hard (up to 15 dGH)
- Ammonia/Nitrite: 0 ppm
- Nitrate: <30 ppm
Diet
- Feeding Type: Specialized wood-eater (xylophagous)
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Diet:
- Bogwood (essential)
- Algae wafers, sinking pellets, gel foods
- Blanched vegetables: zucchini, cucumber, sweet potato
- Occasional protein: mosquito larvae (avoid excess)
Behavior & Compatibility
- Temperament: Peaceful with most tankmates
- Social Behavior: May be territorial with other plecos; provide visual barriers and space (30×30 cm per fish)
- Tankmates: Ideal with small, peaceful fish like tetras, Corydoras, pencilfish, and rainbowfish
Breeding
- Status: Not commonly bred in aquariums
- Challenges: Requires mature pairs, soft water, increased flow, and tight caves
- Sexing: Males develop long interopercular spines and fine denticles giving a furry appearance
Appearance
- Coloration: Dark base with off-white to mustard-colored spots
- Tail: Lyretail typical of Panaqolus genus
- Variations: Spot size and density may vary by collection location
Specifications
Specifications
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CategoryPlecos
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Species TypeGoldie Pleco
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Water Temperature
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Minimum Tank Size30 Gallons
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Water pH LevelAcidic, Neutral
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Habitat PreferencePlanted Tanks, Driftwood, Hiding Spots, Rocky Tanks
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BehaviourNocturnal, Community Fish, Bottom-Dwelling, Solitary, Semi-aggressive
Payment & Security
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