{"product_id":"tiger-pleco","title":"Tiger Pleco (Peckoltia vittata)","description":"\u003cp\u003eTiger Plecos (\u003cem\u003ePeckoltia vittata\u003c\/em\u003e) carry a bold golden-yellow and black striped pattern that stands out even in the naturally camouflaged world of Loricariidae catfish, and they put the actual structure of that camouflage to use as a dedicated algae and biofilm grazer, rasping away at glass, driftwood, and rock surfaces with a sucker-like mouth built for exactly that job.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThey stay considerably more modest in size than a Common Pleco — typically 4–5 inches at full adult size — which makes them a genuinely practical algae-control option for a mid-sized planted or community tank rather than something that will eventually need relocating to a larger setup. They're peaceful toward other species, most active after lights-out, and will often claim a specific cave or driftwood overhang as a personal territory to return to.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eDriftwood is important with this genus specifically, not just as décor: many Peckoltia and related loricariids rasp on wood as a functional part of their digestion, not just incidentally. A tank without driftwood leaves them missing a component of their natural dietary fiber. Supplement their grazing with algae wafers, blanched zucchini, and other vegetables.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eScientific name:\u003c\/strong\u003e Peckoltia vittata\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin:\u003c\/strong\u003e Amazon River basin, South America — fast-flowing rocky tributaries with wood and leaf-litter accumulation\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWater parameters:\u003c\/strong\u003e Temp 72–82°F · pH 5.5–7.5 · GH 2–15 (soft to moderately hard)\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTank requirements:\u003c\/strong\u003e 30 gal minimum; provide driftwood and caves; appreciate structured flow\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDiet:\u003c\/strong\u003e Herbivore\/omnivore — algae wafers, blanched vegetables, driftwood for rasping; occasional protein\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCompatibility:\u003c\/strong\u003e Peaceful with community fish; territorial toward own species in limited space\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHusbandry note:\u003c\/strong\u003e Tiger Plecos are largely nocturnal and will spend daylight hours hidden in a cave or behind driftwood — this is normal, not a sign of illness. If yours is visible and active during the day, it's usually because it's hungry and actively searching for food. More food and more structure usually resolves it.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"YoCamron's Aquatics","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50153134719213,"sku":"FWFSH-TIGER-PLECO","price":58.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0806\/1032\/8813\/files\/original_47cb814e-1820-4309-9d73-0549e5e00c93.jpg?v=1787398013","url":"https:\/\/www.yocamronsaquatics.com\/products\/tiger-pleco","provider":"YoCamron's Aquatics","version":"1.0","type":"link"}