Small L-Number Plecos in Planted Aquariums

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Small L-Number Plecos in Planted Aquariums

When it comes to combining characterful fish with stunning aquascapes, few choices are as rewarding as small L-number plecos. These miniature marvels of the Loricariidae family add subtle movement, unique patterns, and essential cleanup crew value—all while staying a manageable size under 5–6 inches.

But while their small size makes them seem ideal for most aquariums, these fish have very specific care needs and require thoughtful aquascape design to allow the plecs and plants to thrive together

L397 Alenquer Tiger Pleco

What is an L-Number?

An L-number is a classification system used to identify Loricarid catfish (plecos) — especially species that are not yet scientifically described or officially named.

Not all plecos are the same! There are Key differences in:

Size (some stay under 10 cm, others grow over 50 cm!)
Diet (herbivores, carnivores, omnivores, wood-eaters)
Temperature and pH preferences
Behavior (some are peaceful, others territorial)

→ Always know the Latin name or L-number to research accurately.

Top Choices: Small L-Number Plecos

If you're looking to keep plecos in an aquascaped tank, stick with the smaller species. Some popular choices include:

L134 Leopard Frog Pleco
(Peckoltia compta)
A stunning yellow-and-black beauty, topping out around 4–5" (10-13cm).
L046 Zebra Pleco
(Hypancistrus zebra)
Iconic black and white stripes, 3–4" (7-10cm), shy and nocturnal.
L397 Alenquer Tiger Pleco
(Panaqolus sp.)
Bold orange-and-black banding, peaceful and active, typically grows to 5-6" (12-15cm). A striking addition to aquascaped tanks.
L183 Starlight Bristlenose Pleco
(Ancistrus dolichopterus)
Deep black body with bright white spots and white-tipped fins; reaches about 4–5.5" (10-14cm). A great algae grazer with a peaceful nature.
L260 Queen Arabesque Pleco
(Hypancistrus sp.)
Elegant swirls, calm temperament, and stays around 3.5–4" (9-10cm).

Core Care Needs

Though small, these plecos are not “set-and-forget” fish. Here’s what they require:

Tank size: Minimum 80 Litres (20-25 gallons) for the smallest species; larger is always better, for slightly larger species, a 90cm (3ft) tank is ideal. Although some are relatively small, they are active bottom dwellers and benefit from a bit more space, especially in community tanks.
Filtration: Strong and stable—plecos come from clean, oxygen-rich waters. Plecos produce a lot of waste — and many species need excellent water quality and high oxygen levels.
Flow: Moderate to strong. Most L-numbers enjoy some current.
Hiding Places: These are essential. Use aquarium rock and wood to mimic their natural habitat. Plecs especially love wood, corbo catfish wood usually makes a good choice for plecs. Provide shaded areas to reduce stress.
Water parameters:

Plecos are sensitive to poor water — clean water is vital.

Temperature: 24–29°C (75–84°F)
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (6.2–7.2)
Soft to moderate hardness

L260 Queen Arabesque Pleco

Feeding: Beyond Algae

Provide the Right Diet – Not All Plecos Eat Algae

One of the biggest myths about plecos is that they survive on algae alone. In truth, most small L-numbers are omnivores or carnivores, requiring high-protein diets.

Herbivores (e.g., Bristlenose, Panaque): Need wood, algae, vegetables, and plant-based wafers.
Carnivores/omnivores (e.g., Zebra Plecos, King Tiger): Need protein-rich foods like sinking pellets, frozen bloodworms, or shrimp.

We recommend Fish Pro foods, specifically developed to meet the dietary needs of plecos and bottom dwellers:

Fish Pro Oak-O-Pops – A unique, natural sinking food stick infused with oak and nutrients ideal for wood-grazing species like L397 & L183 plec. Helps support healthy digestion and natural foraging behaviour.
Fish Pro Pleco Platter – A nutrient-rich blend of proteins, algae, and essential vitamins designed specifically for small L-number plecos. Great for both carnivorous and omnivorous varieties like the L046, L260 & L134 plecs.
Fresh Veggies – Offer blanched courgette, spinach, or potato once or twice a week.

Consistency is key. Feed after lights out if your plecos are nocturnal or shy.

>Shop Fish Pro Foods

L183 Starlight Bristlenose Pleco

Housing Plecos in an Aquascape: Key Considerations

Aquascaping is an art—but it needs to be balanced with the functional requirements of your livestock. Small plecos can co-exist beautifully in aquascapes, but certain precautions are necessary.

Best Aquascape Layouts for Plecos:

Epiphyte-Only Aquascapes
Using plants like Anubias, Bucephalandra, Bolbitis, and Java Fern attached to wood or stone allows open substrate and avoids rooting disruptions.
Sand Areas with Robust Plants in Soil Areas
If using rooted plants, choose well-anchored, hardy species like Cryptocoryne or Echinodorus. Leave a bare sand area for resting and foraging.

Things to Avoid:

Delicate carpeting plants in soil substrate like HC Cuba or Monte Carlo—they can be uprooted easily.
Overly tight scapes without caves or shaded retreats like a dutch aquascape—plecos need cover.

Design with both aesthetics and behaviour in mind. A layout that includes natural driftwood, stones, and textured hiding places not only looks stunning but mimics their wild environment.

Social Compatibility

Most plecos are territorial with their own kind, especially males.
Avoid overcrowding the bottom zone of the tank.
Keep an eye out for fighting or bullying over hiding spots or food.

Lifespan & Commitment

Many plecos live 10–15+ years with proper care.
Don’t buy one “to clean up the tank” they are not janitors, they are livestock with specific needs.

Top 10 Tips for Keeping Plecs

Research Your Species – Know the pleco’s adult size, diet, and temperament.
Feed the Right Diet – Herbivores need wood & algae; carnivores need protein-rich sinking foods.
Provide Hiding Spots – Caves and shelters reduce stress and aggression.
Use Real Driftwood – Essential for wood-eating species like Bristlenose and Royals.
Choose the Right Tank Size – Research the maximum expected size of your plec to ensure your tank is suitable
Maintain Excellent Water Quality – Plecos are sensitive to poor conditions.
Ensure Strong Oxygenation – Use flow, spray bars, or airstones
Avoid Sharp Substrates – Smooth sand or rounded gravel protects their bellies and barbels.
Feed After Lights Out – Many plecos eat best in low light or darkness.
Avoid Aggressive Tankmates – Choose peaceful fish to reduce stress and food competition.

Conclusion

Small L-number plecos are an underrated gem in aquascaped tanks. With the right care, layout, and a quality diet like Fish Pro’s range, they’ll reward you with long-term health, beautiful behaviour, and a perfect pairing of fish and design.