A stunning, small black-and-white spotted pleco native to the fast-flowing tributaries of the lower Amazon. Unlike many plecos, the Angelicus is a Hypancistrus species, meaning it is an omnivore that heavily prefers a meaty, protein-rich diet and will generally ignore algae. They require warm, highly oxygenated water with strong flow.
Angelicus Pleco L073 At a Glance
Angelicus Pleco L073 Tank Requirements
Will Angelicus Pleco L073 fit in your tank?
Care guides tell you what Angelicus Pleco L073 needs, the next question is whether your tank can safely provide it. Test Angelicus Pleco L073 against your tank size, maintenance needs, and the fish you already keep before you buy.
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Angelicus Pleco L073 Water Parameters
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Angelicus Pleco L073 Temperament & Compatibility
Angelicus Pleco L073 Varieties
Each variety inherits the species defaults above. Only differences are highlighted.
Standard / Unsexed
Typically sold as juveniles when their gender is indistinguishable. They possess striking black and white spots and must be fed sinking carnivore pellets, bloodworms, or brine shrimp rather than algae wafers.
Differs in 1 trait from base species
Also known as: Juvenile L073
Male
Adult males develop a broader head and extensive odontodes (spiny growths) on their pectoral fins and cheeks. They are highly territorial over caves and will spar with other male plecos.
Differs in 2 traits from base species
Also known as: Show Male
Female
Females are visibly wider and rounder when viewed from above and have significantly shorter and fewer odontodes. They are much less territorial than males.
Differs in 2 traits from base species
Also known as: Female
Angelicus Pleco L073 Care Guide Summary
The Angelicus Pleco L073, scientifically known as Hypancistrus sp. L073, belongs to the Catfish family group. Adults reach a maximum size of approximately 10 cm and have a depressed body shape with a slow growth rate. Classified as mostly peaceful, this species primarily occupies the bottom zone of the aquarium and produces a medium level of biological waste.
To thrive, the Angelicus Pleco L073 requires a freshwater only aquarium with a minimum volume of 110 litres and a tank length of at least 80 cm. Water temperature should be maintained between 26°C and 30°C, with a pH range of 5.5–7.5 and a general hardness of 2–15 dGH. A high water flow is preferred.
Due to its specialist needs, the Angelicus Pleco L073 is best suited for fishkeepers who can provide a carefully planned setup. This species is available in 3 varieties: Standard / Unsexed, Male, and Female. Each may differ slightly in size, temperament, or care needs, so it is worth checking the specific requirements of the variety you plan to keep.
Angelicus Pleco L073 Habitat Setup
When setting up an aquarium for the Angelicus Pleco L073, a high water flow best suits their natural preferences. Because this species occupies the bottom zone, the aquarium layout should prioritise sufficient floor space with hiding spots among rocks, wood, or dense planting. Useful additions include a sand substrate to accommodate their sifting behaviour, smooth gravel or rounded substrate to protect their sensitive barbels, and driftwood, which can serve as both a hiding place and a dietary supplement.
Angelicus Pleco L073 Compatibility Notes
Classified as mostly peaceful, the Angelicus Pleco L073 is adaptable and can be kept singly or in a small group, offering flexibility when planning a community tank. When choosing tankmates, boisterous or fast-moving tankmates may cause this species undue stress. Selecting tankmates that favour different water layers from the bottom zone can help reduce competition and territorial overlap.
Angelicus Pleco L073 Recommended Tank Sizes
Standard aquarium sizes that meet the minimum volume and length requirements for Angelicus Pleco L073.
30 Gallon Breeder
40 Gallon Breeder
55 Gallon Standard
60 Gallon Breeder
75 Gallon Standard
90 Gallon Standard
Show 12 more tank sizes
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Frequently Asked Questions About Angelicus Pleco L073
How big does Angelicus Pleco L073 get?
Angelicus Pleco L073 (Hypancistrus sp. L073) typically reaches a maximum adult size of approximately 10 cm. They have a depressed body shape and a slow growth rate.
What tank size does Angelicus Pleco L073 need?
A minimum aquarium volume of 110 litres and a tank length of at least 80 cm are recommended for Angelicus Pleco L073. This ensures enough swimming space and helps maintain stable water conditions.
What water parameters does Angelicus Pleco L073 need?
Angelicus Pleco L073 thrives in freshwater only conditions with a temperature range of 26–30°C, a pH between 5.5 and 7.5, and a general hardness of 2–15 dGH. A high water flow is preferred.
Is Angelicus Pleco L073 peaceful or aggressive?
Angelicus Pleco L073 is classified as mostly peaceful with an aggression score of 3 out of 10. They are generally well-suited to peaceful community tanks.
Can Angelicus Pleco L073 live alone?
Yes, Angelicus Pleco L073 can be kept singly or in a group. They are flexible and adapt well to both setups.
Does Angelicus Pleco L073 have any special tank requirements?
Yes. Angelicus Pleco L073 benefits from driftwood (digestion/hiding), sand (sifters), and smooth gravel (sensitive barbels) in the aquarium. These features help replicate their natural habitat and promote overall health and well-being.
Top Tank Mates for Angelicus Pleco L073
These fish are strong compatibility matches for Angelicus Pleco L073 based on water preferences, temperament, adult size, and tank behavior.
Glowlight Tetra
Hemigrammus erythrozonus
Ideal Tank MatesGlass Catfish
Kryptopterus vitreolus
Ideal Tank MatesCommon Synodontis (False Upside Down Catfish)
Synodontis nigrita
Ideal Tank MatesChocolate Cichlid
Hypselecara temporalis
Ideal Tank MatesButterfly Pleco (L168)
Dekeyseria brachyura
Ideal Tank MatesBumblebee Catfish (South American)
Microglanis iheringi
Ideal Tank MatesPlants That Suit Angelicus Pleco L073
These plants pair well with Angelicus Pleco L073 based on shared water preferences, layout fit, and how likely they are to hold up in the same aquarium.
African Water Fern
Bolbitis heudelotii
Boivin's Aponogeton
Aponogeton boivinianus
Capuron's Aponogeton
Aponogeton capuronii
African Onion Plant
Crinum calamistratum
Afzel's Anubias
Anubias afzelii
Amazon Sword
Echinodorus amazonicus
Fish Similar to Angelicus Pleco L073
Zebra Pleco (L046)
Hypancistrus zebra
A highly sought-after, strikingly beautiful black-and-white striped pleco endemic to the fast-flowing Xingu River in Brazil. Unlike common plecostomus, it is primarily carnivorous (a micropredator) and will not clean algae. They are notoriously shy, slow-growing, and require highly oxygenated, warm water with vigorous flow to thrive.
Butterfly Pleco (L168)
Dekeyseria brachyura
A strikingly patterned, flat-bodied plecostomus known for its ability to change color to match its surroundings (often alternating between light and dark bands). Native to the Rio Negro basin, it is a highly capable algae eater that requires well-oxygenated water with good flow. It is generally peaceful but can be territorial over favored caves.
Gold Nugget Pleco (L018)
Baryancistrus xanthellus
A stunning, highly sought-after Loricariid native to the fast-flowing, highly oxygenated waters of the Rio Xingu in Brazil. They feature a dark body covered in bright yellow spots with thick yellow seams on their dorsal and caudal fins. They require high temperatures, high water flow, and a diet rich in biofilm, aufwuchs, and fresh vegetables. They are notoriously territorial towards other bottom-dwellers.
Bristlenose Pleco
Ancistrus cf. cirrhosus
A highly popular, hardy, and relatively small suckermouth catfish. Excellent algae eaters that stay much smaller than Common Plecos, making them suitable for standard aquariums. They require dietary wood (driftwood) to aid in digestion and plenty of hiding caves.
Freshwater Angelfish
Pterophyllum scalare
The most iconic South American Cichlid, known for its distinct arrowhead shape and majestic fins. While domestic strains are hardy, they remain cichlids: they are semi-aggressive predators that will eat any fish small enough to fit in their mouths (like Neon Tetras). They form loose shoals as juveniles but pair off and become territorial as they mature. Height is more important than length for this species.
Clown Pleco (L104)
Panaqolus maccus
A popular, distinctly striped dwarf pleco native to Venezuela. It is a strictly wood-eating species (xylivore); real driftwood is mandatory for its survival and digestion. Because of this diet, it produces massive amounts of sawdust-like waste, requiring excellent mechanical filtration despite its small size. They are shy and predominantly nocturnal.