Whiskered plecos (Lasiancistrus) (Lasiancistrus spp.) care guide

Group
Freshwater fish
Other names
Whiskered pleco, L092, L194, L033, Wood-eating Lasiancistrus, Lasiancistrus tentaculatus, Lasiancistrus schomburgkii, Lasiancistrus heteracanthus
Family
Loricariidae (suckermouth armoured catfishes)
Origin
Northern South America and Panama: Amazon basin, upper and middle Orinoco, Rupununi, Lake Maracaibo and Andean drainages of Colombia to the Bayano River, Panama.
Water
freshwater
Maximum size
19 cm
Temperature
24–28°C
pH
6–7.4
Hardness
Soft
Minimum tank
150 litres
Care level
intermediate
Temperament
semi_aggressive

Care

Lasiancistrus are medium-sized plecos with 11 valid species (Wikipedia). Figures vary by species, so check the species or L-number before buying. Adults generally reach about 12–19 cm. Identification: adults have whisker-like bristles (odontodes) on the cheeks, which can be pushed outwards. Wikipedia notes these are unique within the family. Breeding males have longer whiskers, fleshy tentacles on the pectoral fins and an almost square snout, whereas females and juveniles have a rounder snout. Representative species: L. tentaculatus (L092, L194) from the Orinoco basin in Venezuela reaches 12 cm SL. Aquatic Republic (PlanetCatfish's sister database) gives 24–28 °C and pH 6.0–7.4, says the water should be soft, and suggests a set-up modelled on a driftwood snag. Females look plumper from above when full of eggs. Tank: we suggest at least 150 litres for one or two adults (our estimate), with plenty of driftwood, caves and good water flow. Wikipedia notes most live in small, swift creeks in the foothills, so give strong filtration and high oxygen. Status: L. tentaculatus is IUCN Least Concern (assessed 2020). Most fish in the trade are wild-caught. Sources: Aquatic Republic, PlanetCatfish's sister database (aquaticrepublic.com/lasiancistrustentaculatus); Wikipedia (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lasiancistrus). PlanetCatfish's own pages could not be read for this genus. Checked October 2026.

Diet

Wood and biofilm grazers. Always provide driftwood to rasp, which is a main part of the diet for species such as L. tentaculatus. Add algae or vegetable wafers and blanched vegetables sparingly, and keep protein-rich foods to a minimum.

Breeding

There are no aquarium breeding reports for L. tentaculatus on Aquatic Republic. Like related plecos, they are expected to spawn in caves with the male guarding the eggs; breeding males grow longer cheek whiskers and pectoral tentacles. A mature pair with snug caves, plenty of wood and clean, well-oxygenated soft water gives the best chance.

Compatibility and tank mates

Peaceful with other fish but territorial with other plecos and bottom-dwellers, especially males over caves. Keep with mid-water community fish such as tetras, barbs, rainbowfish and peaceful cichlids that like similar flowing, soft water. Give each pleco its own cave and territory.

Last updated 5 October 2026. Community-edited care guide on Aquatic-Auctions.

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