Big Band Tiger Pleco L140
Live Fish
Shipping & Returns
All live fish are shipped using NZPost overnight services with authority to leave (no signature).
We cannot guarantee the overnight services, this is a service that we/you pay for; but is not guaranteed.
We DO NOT offer returns on any alive animal.
Above are key points of our policy, Click Here to read our full shipping policy.
Dead On Arrival (DOA) Cover*
- DOA must be reported within 2 hours of delivery.
- Bags must remain sealed (do not remove rubber band or tape)
- Photos & Videos must be supplied this can be emailed or sent through live chat; including your order No. (minimum 3 clear images, showing dead fish & sealed bag)
- DOA does not apply once the bags are opened & fish have been released.
- DOA does not apply to any Rural (RD) address.
Introducing New Fish
Follow these steps to minimize stress and ensure a smooth transition for your new fish!
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Float the Bag: Place the sealed bag containing the new fish in the tank. This equalizes the temperature between bag and tank water.
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Open and Add Tank Water Gradually: After about 5 minutes, open the bag and add a small amount of aquarium water into it every 5 minutes for 15–30 minutes. This helps the fish acclimate to the tank’s water chemistry.
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Wait 15–30 Minutes: Let the fish adjust to the water temperature and chemistry gradually in the bag.
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Release Fish: Gently release the fish into the tank without pouring the original bag water in.
Big Band Tiger Pleco L140
Overview
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Scientific Name: Peckoltia vittata or a close variant (Note: L-numbers are often assigned before species are fully described)
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Common Names: Big Band Tiger Pleco, L140
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L-Number: L140
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Origin: Amazon River Basin, South America
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Family: Loricariidae
This visually striking pleco features bold black and tan banding across the body and fins, resembling tiger stripes — hence its common name. It's popular in the aquarium trade due to its pattern and relatively peaceful nature.
Diet: Omnivorous
Size and Lifespan
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Adult Size: 4 to 5 inches (10–13 cm)
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Lifespan: 10+ years with proper care
Water Parameters
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Temperature: 75–82°F (24–28°C)
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pH Range: 6.0–7.5
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Hardness: Soft to moderately hard (2–12 dGH)
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Tank Size: Minimum 30 gallons for one adult
Behavior & Compatibility
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Temperament: Peaceful and shy; semi-territorial with other plecos
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Tank Level: Bottom dweller
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Best Kept With: Tetras, rasboras, peaceful cichlids, dwarf gouramis
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Avoid: Aggressive or large predatory fish
They prefer plenty of hiding spaces like driftwood, caves, and plants. Males can become territorial if space is limited.
Diet
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Omnivorous: Accepts a wide variety of food
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Staple Diet: Sinking carnivore pellets, algae wafers
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Supplement With: Blanched vegetables (zucchini, cucumber), frozen bloodworms, shrimp
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Note: Unlike some plecos, this one does not eat much algae — supplementation is essential
Breeding
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In Captivity: Rare but possible
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Conditions: Requires soft, slightly acidic water and caves for spawning
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Behavior: Males guard the eggs; fry feed on biofilm and require high-quality water
Habitat Setup
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Substrate: Sand or fine gravel
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Décor: Driftwood (for hiding and grazing), rock caves, low-light areas
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Lighting: Low to moderate
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Filtration: Strong, with good water movement (simulate river conditions)
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Oxygenation: High
*Product Photo is for reference only. Exact fish may vary in size and colour.
