L519 Rio Itenez Pleco
Forget your average bristlenose—this is the Honeycomb Royalty of the pleco world. Straight from the Rio Iténez in Bolivia, the L519 is a collector’s dream with its tight honeycomb pattern and compact size. These aren’t just algae eaters—they’re living art.
Why You Need One
Wild lineage = stronger genetics, richer color
Nano-tank friendly (tops out at ~4")
Cave spawner—easy to breed, fun to watch
Rare as hell—you won’t find these at big box stores
Perfect for planted tanks—won’t wreck your scape
Limited Stock. No Guarantees They’ll Be Back.
These are wild-caught, locality-specific Ancistrus. Once they’re gone, they’re gone. If you want a pleco that turns heads and earns respect, this is it.
👉 Add to cart before someone else does. 👉 Buy 2, breed them, flex on your local fish club.
🌍 Conservation Status: The L519 Pleco (Hypancistrus sp.) is not formally evaluated by the IUCN. Wild populations are localized in South American river systems, where habitat pressures and over‑collection can affect availability.
Phot Credit http://:www.unclejoesfishshed.com
L519 Rio Itenez Pleco ( Honeycomb)
🌡️ Tank Setup
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Temp: 77–84°F
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pH: 6.0–7.5
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Size: 30+ gallons
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Soft, well‑oxygenated water
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Provide caves, driftwood, and hiding spots
🍽️ Feeding
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Omnivorous: sinking pellets, wafers, and frozen foods
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Supplement with protein (bloodworms, shrimp)
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Occasional vegetable matter (zucchini, cucumber)
👥 Behavior & Compatibility
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Peaceful, avoids conflict
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Best with non‑aggressive tankmates
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Territorial with other plecos — provide multiple caves
🧪 Care Notes
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Sensitive to water quality — stable parameters essential
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Weekly water changes (20–30%)
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Limited run — quality comes with a price, but peace of mind is included
🐣 Breeding Tips
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Cave spawner: males guard eggs in tight spaces
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Provide multiple caves to reduce competition
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Condition with protein‑rich foods before spawning
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Fry feed on biofilm, then transition to baby brine shrimp and fine foods
🚚 From Egg to Your Door Sustainably sourced, raised with care, and offered only when it meets Uncle Joe’s standards.
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