Hemiancistrus sabaji ( L075 ) 4″-5″

Hemiancistrus sabaji (L075), commonly known as the L075 Pleco or Sabaji Pleco, is a striking species from the Loricariidae family, native to the rivers of South America, specifically in the Rio Orinoco and Rio Negro basins. This species is admired for its distinctive spotted pattern and is a popular choice among pleco enthusiasts for its relatively peaceful nature and manageable size.

• Size: Hemiancistrus sabaji can reach a length of around 15-20 cm (6-8 inches) in captivity.
• Coloration: This pleco features a dark brown to black base color, adorned with numerous bright white or yellowish spots scattered across its body and fins. The contrast between the dark body and the light spots makes this species visually appealing.
• Body Shape: Like other plecos, Hemiancistrus sabaji has a flattened body with a large head, underslung mouth adapted for suction, and a robust armored exterior.
• Fins: Its dorsal fin is large and typically has striking patterning, similar to the body, with spots extending across the rays.

• Temperament: The L075 Sabaji Pleco is generally peaceful, making it suitable for community tanks. However, like most plecos, it can be somewhat territorial with other bottom dwellers, especially other plecos or fish that occupy the same space. Providing enough hiding spots and territories will reduce aggression.
• Activity: It is a nocturnal species, most active during the night, but it may become more visible during the day in a well-established, peaceful tank.

• Tank Size: A minimum tank size of 50-60 gallons is recommended for a single adult L075, with a larger tank required if keeping multiple specimens or tank mates.
• Water Parameters:
  • Temperature: 24-28°C (75-82°F)
  • pH: 5.8-7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
  • Hardness: Soft to moderately hard water
• Substrate: A soft, sandy substrate is ideal to protect their sensitive undersides and allow for natural behavior, such as burrowing or resting close to the substrate.
• Décor: The tank should be decorated with plenty of hiding places, including driftwood, caves, and rocks. The presence of driftwood is beneficial, as it helps create natural hiding spots and adds to the overall aesthetic. While not a strict wood-eater, they may graze on the biofilm and algae that form on it.
• Filtration and Water Flow: Like most plecos, Hemiancistrus sabaji requires well-oxygenated water with moderate water flow, similar to the fast-moving rivers in their natural habitat. Strong filtration is necessary to maintain water quality, as plecos produce a lot of waste.

The L075 Sabaji Pleco is an omnivore, with a diet that consists of both plant matter and proteins.

• Vegetable Matter: They will appreciate blanched vegetables like zucchini, cucumber, and peas.
• Algae: While they will consume some algae in the tank, they are not primarily algae eaters. Therefore, supplement their diet with other food sources.
• Sinking Pellets/Wafers: High-quality sinking pellets or algae wafers formulated for plecos and omnivorous bottom feeders should form the staple of their diet.
• Protein: They enjoy occasional protein sources such as frozen bloodworms, brine shrimp, and mysis shrimp. While they need some protein in their diet, it should not dominate their food intake.

Breeding Hemiancistrus sabaji in captivity is challenging but possible under the right conditions.

• Spawning Behavior: This species is a cave spawner. Males will guard the entrance to the cave where the eggs are laid, protecting them from potential threats. To encourage spawning, the tank should be equipped with multiple cave-like hiding spots, such as clay pipes, rock crevices, or purpose-built pleco caves.
• Breeding Conditions: To stimulate breeding, provide clean, well-oxygenated water with stable parameters and ensure the fish are well-fed with a varied diet. Regular water changes and slight temperature drops can mimic seasonal changes and trigger spawning behavior.
• Fry Care: Once the fry are free-swimming, they can be fed finely crushed spirulina-based flakes, baby brine shrimp, or other small food suitable for growing plecos.

• Territoriality: While peaceful with most tankmates, Hemiancistrus sabaji may display territorial behavior with other plecos or bottom-dwelling fish, especially in smaller tanks. Providing sufficient space and hiding places will minimize these conflicts.
• Tankmates: Ideal tankmates include medium-sized, peaceful fish that occupy different areas of the tank, such as tetras, rasboras, or peaceful cichlids. Avoid housing them with overly aggressive or very large fish that might see the pleco as a threat.
• Water Quality: As with all plecos, keeping water clean is essential. Regular water changes and a strong filtration system are necessary to ensure they stay healthy.

Hemiancistrus sabaji is a stunning pleco that offers both beauty and intrigue to a well-maintained aquarium. Its relatively peaceful nature, combined with its unique appearance, makes it a desirable addition for aquarists who enjoy plecos and other bottom-dwellers.