Description
Spiny Pleco (L160) – Armor-Clad and Striking
The Spiny Pleco (L160) is a bold and heavily armored species prized for its rugged appearance and deep black coloration, often highlighted by faint lighter speckling. Its most notable feature is the series of prominent odontodes—or "spines"—that cover its body, giving it a powerful, prehistoric look that stands out in any aquarium.
Native to the Rio Negro basin in Brazil, this pleco prefers dim lighting, soft acidic water, and plenty of hiding spots such as caves and driftwood. The L160 is more territorial than many other plecos and may be aggressive toward similar species, especially in tight spaces. It is omnivorous but prefers a more carnivorous diet.
Key Features:
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L-number: L160
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Common Name: Spiny Pleco
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Coloration: Deep black body with subtle lighter spotting and rough, spiny texture
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Temperament: Semi-aggressive, especially toward similar plecos
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Size: Grows up to 10–12 inches
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Tank Requirements: Minimum 75 gallons with strong filtration, soft substrate, caves, and shaded areas
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Diet: Omnivorous with a carnivorous leaning—sinking carnivore pellets, bloodworms, and occasional algae wafers
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Compatibility: Best housed with robust tank mates; avoid other large, territorial plecos unless in a very large tank
The Spiny Pleco (L160) is a formidable and eye-catching species ideal for experienced aquarists looking to add a dramatic, armored presence to their tank. Its size, character, and unique appearance make it a true centerpiece bottom-dweller.
Click & Collect
Livestock will only be bagged once you arrive, or if you contact us in advance to request it ready beforehand.
Local Delivery
Order anything from our in-store range and have it delivered right to you.
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Minimum spend: £50
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Delivery up to 10 miles: £10
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Delivery up to 25 miles: £20
Distances are measured “as the crow flies”, not by road.
Once your order is placed, we’ll be in touch to arrange a suitable delivery date and time.
Please note, delivery may take a little longer as we often group orders together to build an efficient delivery run.
Important: If you’re ordering a large aquarium, please ensure someone is available to help unload the van on arrival.
Dry Goods Delivery
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DPD Next Day: 1 working day (order before 12 noon)
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DX Next Day (Heavy Items & Small Aquariums): 1 working day (order before 12 noon)
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Express Pallet: 1–3 working days
If you'd like to add more items to an existing order that hasn't yet been dispatched, please place a Click & Collect order and leave a note asking us to combine the orders.
Please note: We currently only dispatch parcels Wednesday to Friday.
Pre-Order
Want the full details? Check out our Terms & Conditions.
Livestock Delivery
Thursday Delivery – £24
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Dispatched Wednesday afternoon
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Delivered Thursday before 1pm
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Order by Wednesday 12 noon
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Minimum spend: £50
Friday Delivery – £24
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Dispatched Thursday afternoon
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Delivered Friday before 1pm
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Order by Thursday 12 noon
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Minimum spend: £50
Saturday Delivery – £29
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Dispatched Friday afternoon
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Delivered Saturday before 1pm
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Order by Friday 12 noon
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Minimum spend: £50
📦 Want to Add to an Existing Order?
No problem! Just place a Click & Collect order and leave a note asking us to link it with your original one (as long as it hasn’t been dispatched yet).
🛒 Dry Goods Now Included!
You can now include dry goods in your livestock delivery – perfect for topping up supplies in one go.
❄️ Please note: We can’t send frozen food with livestock – please order frozen items separately.
⚠️ Delivery Exclusions
Unfortunately, we’re unable to deliver livestock to the following postcodes:
Scotland & Isles:
AB30–AB56, DD8–DD10, DG3–DG9, DG12–DG14, FK17–FK21, KA18–KA19, KA26–KA30, PA20–PA38, PA80, PH3–PH40
Cornwall Isles: TR21–TR25
All of the following postcodes are excluded:
BT, HS, IM, IV, JE, KW
Plus Channel Islands and Shetland Islands
Payment & Security
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