TRUE L183 White Seam Super Starlight Plecos Species Profile

Species Profile: L183 White Seam Super Starlight Pleco

 

Genus / Species: Ancistrus dolichopterus

Origin: Rio Negro, Amazonas, Brazil

Size: 10-15cm commonly

Temp: 26-30c

PH: 5.5-7.0

KH: 0-5

GH: 0-20

Tank Size: At least 90cm

Diet: Omnivore, vegetable matter and high protein live and frozen foods.

 

Unfortunately, L71, L181 and L249 are often mislabeled and sold as Starlight by wholesalers and stores, being passed on to the customer as the “L183”, this is because all of these fish share the white spots and white seam when young, so the mistake is easy to make.

The main identifying feature between L183 and the others is the number of “soft rays” in the dorsal fin, while most fish within the genus Ancistrus have 7 soft rays, L71, L181 and L249 have 7-8, whereas L183 has 9-10, with 9 being most common. Another way to identify L183 is through shining a light through the white seam, in L183 it shows a blue shimmer on the edges of the seam, whereas its simply white in the others.

 

Tank Setup: At least 90cm should be provided for a pair of these plecos, with groups the tank size should increase proportionately, Sandbanks are the norm in the Rio Negro so a sand or fine gravel substrate should be provided, ideally containing robust species of plants to provide a more natural environment and help with water quality. Wood should be incorporated into the aquarium to provide a multitude of hiding areas and provide a grazing area; wild caught specimens have often been found with wood fibers in their digestive tract. When housing multiple males it is paramount to use this wood to provide breaks in line of sight and create territories as mature males will often fight over territory. L183 are a species which is sensitive to water parameters and quality, so the water needs to be soft, acidic and very low in nitrates. A moderate amount of flow and good oxygenation is also required.

 

Sexing: Males of the species tend to have a full set of branching “tentacles” on their heads with dermal teeth along the gill plate and first pectoral ray, Females tend to be smaller and rounder only exhibiting bristles around the edge of her snout.

 

Breeding: L183 is a cave breeder, so be sure to provide a choice of caves of suitable size with a singular enterance for the male to entice the female into, this species has only been known to breed in soft, acidic waters, usually after rainfall. This can be replicated in the home aquarium by providing a cool water change in combination with an increase in the amount of flow. The male will care for and defend the brood until they are large enough as is usually the case for plecos. Pleco fry eat the same foods as adults, just of a smaller size.