Common Name: L95 Orange Cheek Pinecone Pleco
Scientific Name: Pseudorinelepis cf. genibarbis
Other Names: Pinecone Pleco, L95 Pleco, Orange Cheek Armored Pleco
The L95 Orange Cheek Pinecone Pleco is a heavily armored and unique-looking Pseudorinelepis species known for its rough, bony body plates and distinctive orange or reddish cheek markings. Its textured, scale-like armor resembles a pinecone, giving it a striking appearance. This species is a slow-moving, substrate-grazing pleco that prefers strong water flow and a high-fiber diet, making it a great addition to large aquariums.
Habitat and Distribution:
Native to the Amazon Basin, particularly in Brazil and Peru, the L95 Pleco inhabits slow to moderate-flowing waters with sandy and muddy bottoms. It is commonly found in large rivers where organic debris accumulates, providing a natural food source. Due to its large size and bottom-dwelling nature, it requires a spacious tank with proper substrate and hiding spots.
Size and Lifespan:
This species can grow to about 12-14 inches (30-35 cm). With excellent care, it can live for 12-15 years.
Diet and Behavior:
The Orange Cheek Pinecone Pleco is primarily a detritivore and herbivore. In the wild, it feeds on decaying plant matter, biofilm, and small invertebrates. In captivity, it requires a high-fiber diet, including sinking veggie pellets, spirulina wafers, blanched vegetables (zucchini, cucumber, and sweet potato), and occasional protein-based foods like bloodworms or blackworms. This species is peaceful but territorial toward other large plecos. It is generally inactive during the day, becoming more active at night.
Breeding and Reproduction:
Breeding Pseudorinelepis species in captivity is extremely rare, with little documented success. They are believed to be cave spawners in the wild, requiring deep crevices or large hollow spaces for breeding. Most individuals in the aquarium trade are wild-caught.
Aquarium Care and Tank Requirements:
A minimum of 125 gallons is required for a single adult, with a larger tank (150+ gallons) recommended for long-term care. Their ideal tank setup includes a soft sand or fine gravel substrate, multiple large hiding spots with driftwood and caves, strong filtration with high oxygenation, moderate to strong water flow to replicate river conditions, and subdued lighting to encourage natural behavior.
Ideal Tank Mates:
The L95 Pleco is peaceful but requires similarly sized and non-aggressive tank mates. Suitable companions include Severums, Geophagus Cichlids, Datnoids, Large Barbs, Silver Dollars, and other medium to large South American species. Avoid housing them with highly aggressive bottom dwellers or other territorial plecos unless the tank is large enough to establish separate territories.
Difficulty Level:
Intermediate to Advanced. They require a high-fiber diet, excellent water quality, and strong filtration to thrive.
Water Parameters:
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Temperature: 76-84°F (24-29°C)
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pH: 6.5-7.5
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General Hardness (GH): 5-15 dGH
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Carbonate Hardness (KH): 3-10 dKH
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Ammonia: 0 ppm
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Nitrite: 0 ppm
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Nitrate: <20 ppm (regular water changes required)
Additional Information:
- Their armored body makes them highly resistant to aggressive fish but also slows them down, making them less competitive for food.
- Strong filtration and regular water changes are necessary due to their high waste production.
- A wood-based diet is not essential, but occasional driftwood grazing may be beneficial.
The L95 Orange Cheek Pinecone Pleco is a fascinating and unique armored pleco that makes a great addition to large aquariums. With proper care and an appropriate setup, it can be a long-lived and rewarding species for experienced aquarists.
