L037 Honeycomb Pleco
The Honeycomb Pleco is a captivating and sizable suckermouth catfish found in both rapid and slow-flowing sections of rivers, inhabiting rocky and soft substrates. While juveniles are often found in smaller streams and oxbow lakes, this species grows to a substantial size and requires a spacious and mature aquarium with soft and acidic water conditions. To create a suitable environment, it is recommended to provide ample shady retreats using bogwood and sturdy rocky caves. It is important to ensure that all decor is securely placed, as larger specimens can sometimes be a bit clumsy.
Maintaining excellent water quality is essential for the Honeycomb Pleco, as adult individuals produce a significant amount of waste. Therefore, it is advisable to have a very well-filtered aquarium, and the inclusion of additional powerheads can help create a moderate current and ensure proper oxygenation, simulating their natural riverine habitat. Regular partial water changes should be conducted to minimize the accumulation of nitrogenous waste.
In terms of temperament, the Honeycomb Pleco is generally peaceful, although it can exhibit territorial behavior towards its own kind and similar species. If keeping multiple specimens in the same tank, it should be spacious with multiple hiding places and visual barriers provided to reduce aggression. The Honeycomb Pleco coexists well with medium-sized characins, robust Corydoras catfish species, and various rheophilic cichlids.
It is worth noting that the Honeycomb Pleco can display considerable color changes influenced by factors such as mood, sex, age, and surroundings. Additionally, there may be geographic variations among specimens collected from different locations.
H. faveolus, the scientific name of the Honeycomb Pleco, is distinct from other Hypostomus species due to its unique combination of pale blotches over a darker background on its body and fins, along with prominent keels on the head, predorsal region, and lateral plates. The species name "faveolus" derives from the Latin word "favus," meaning honeycomb, in reference to the reticulated color pattern formed by the pale blotches within thin dark boundaries. It is also sometimes available for sale under the name Faveolus Pleco.
