{"product_id":"redfin-thresher-pleco-l116","title":"Redfin Thresher Pleco L116","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe \u003cstrong\u003eRedfin Thresher Pleco L116\u003c\/strong\u003e (\u003cem\u003eAphanotorulus emarginatus\u003c\/em\u003e) is a large South American loricariid catfish known for its armored body, spotted pattern, broad fins, and reddish to orange coloration that may appear in the fins, especially on well-conditioned specimens.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is a peaceful bottom-dwelling pleco, but its eventual adult size makes it best suited to spacious aquariums with strong filtration, good oxygenation, plenty of hiding areas, and room to move along the bottom.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eKey Features\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAttractive spotted body pattern\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eReddish to orange tones may appear in the fins\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePeaceful bottom-dwelling catfish\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLarge-growing pleco species\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eExcellent choice for spacious South American and community aquariums\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAppreciates caves, driftwood, rocks, and shaded resting areas\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOmnivorous diet\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBest for experienced aquarists prepared for its adult size\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eFish Information\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCommon Name:\u003c\/strong\u003e Redfin Thresher Pleco\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eL-Number:\u003c\/strong\u003e L116\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eScientific Name:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cem\u003eAphanotorulus emarginatus\u003c\/em\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eOther L-Numbers:\u003c\/strong\u003e L011, L035, L108\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFish Type:\u003c\/strong\u003e Loricariid catfish \/ pleco\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin:\u003c\/strong\u003e South America\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWater Type:\u003c\/strong\u003e Freshwater\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTemperament:\u003c\/strong\u003e Generally peaceful\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSwimming Level:\u003c\/strong\u003e Bottom\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAdult Size:\u003c\/strong\u003e Up to approximately 15–16 inches\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDiet:\u003c\/strong\u003e Omnivore\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCare Level:\u003c\/strong\u003e Intermediate\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eAdult Size\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Redfin Thresher Pleco is \u003cstrong\u003enot a small pleco\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAdults may reach approximately \u003cstrong\u003e15–16 inches\u003c\/strong\u003e, so customers should plan for the fish's mature size rather than its size at the time of purchase.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBecause of its length, heavy body, and waste production, this species requires considerably more space and filtration than smaller plecos such as bristlenose or clown plecos.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eRecommended Aquarium Size\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor an adult specimen, we recommend a \u003cstrong\u003elarge aquarium of approximately 100 gallons or larger\u003c\/strong\u003e, with substantial bottom area.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTank dimensions are just as important as gallon capacity. A long, wide aquarium provides more usable space than a narrow or unusually tall aquarium.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLarger systems are preferred for multiple large bottom-dwelling fish.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eRecommended Water Parameters\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA practical range for the Redfin Thresher Pleco is:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTemperature:\u003c\/strong\u003e Approximately 77–84°F\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003epH:\u003c\/strong\u003e Approximately 6.0–7.5\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWater Hardness:\u003c\/strong\u003e Soft to moderately hard\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAmmonia:\u003c\/strong\u003e 0 ppm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eNitrite:\u003c\/strong\u003e 0 ppm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eNitrate:\u003c\/strong\u003e Kept as low as practical with regular maintenance\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eStable, clean water and strong oxygenation are particularly important.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eAquarium Setup\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eProvide an established aquarium with excellent filtration and plenty of bottom-level structure.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRecommended setup includes:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eStrong biological and mechanical filtration\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGood surface agitation and oxygenation\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDriftwood\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSmooth rocks\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCaves and shaded hiding areas\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOpen bottom space for movement\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSand or smooth gravel substrate\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRegular partial water changes\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAvoid décor with sharp edges that could injure the fish's belly, fins, or barbels.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eFiltration\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLarge plecos produce a substantial amount of waste.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUse a filter or combination of filters capable of handling a heavily stocked aquarium, and maintain strong water circulation without creating excessive turbulence in resting areas.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCanister filters, large hang-on-back filters, sumps, or combinations of filtration may all be appropriate depending on aquarium size.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDo not replace all biological media at once, as this can disrupt the aquarium's nitrogen cycle.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eDiet\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Redfin Thresher Pleco is an omnivore and should receive a varied diet rather than being expected to survive on aquarium algae alone.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSuitable foods include:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHigh-quality sinking pleco pellets\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAlgae wafers\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSpirulina-based foods\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSinking omnivore tablets\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRepashy-style gel foods\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBlanched zucchini\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSquash\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGreen beans\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOther aquarium-safe vegetables\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFrozen foods as occasional supplemental protein\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFeed after the aquarium lights begin to dim if the fish is reluctant to come out during the day.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRemove uneaten vegetables before they begin to deteriorate.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eDoes It Eat Algae?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis species may graze on algae and biofilm, but it should \u003cstrong\u003enot be purchased solely as an algae-control fish\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLarge plecos require regular prepared foods and vegetable matter even when visible algae is available in the aquarium.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNo pleco should be expected to replace routine aquarium maintenance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eDriftwood\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDriftwood is highly recommended.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt provides:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eNatural hiding areas\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSurfaces for biofilm growth\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSecurity during daylight hours\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAdditional structure within the aquarium\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhile this pleco may graze on wood surfaces, driftwood should not be considered its sole source of nutrition.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eTemperament\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRedfin Thresher Plecos are generally peaceful toward fish that occupy the middle and upper levels of the aquarium.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThey may become territorial with:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOther large plecos\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSimilar bottom-dwelling catfish\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFish competing for the same cave\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOther large loricariids in limited space\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eProviding multiple caves and plenty of bottom area can help reduce territorial disputes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eCompatible Tankmates\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePossible tankmates include:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLarger tetras\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRainbowfish\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePeaceful cichlids\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAngelfish\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLarger rasboras\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBarbs\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGouramis\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOther peaceful medium to large community fish\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTankmates should be large enough that they are not easily disturbed and should tolerate similar warm freshwater conditions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eExercise caution when combining multiple large plecos in smaller aquariums.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003ePlants\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRedfin Thresher Plecos can be kept in planted aquariums, but mature specimens may accidentally uproot delicate plants while moving around the bottom.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eChoose:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWell-established rooted plants\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePlants attached to driftwood or rocks\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAnubias\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eJava fern\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOther sturdy species\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLeave ample open floor space.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eLighting and Hiding Areas\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis pleco may spend much of the daytime resting under driftwood or inside a cave.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eProvide multiple shaded locations so the fish feels secure.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFish that have adequate hiding places often become more comfortable and may eventually become more visible during feeding.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eAcclimation\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003col\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTurn aquarium lights off before introducing the fish.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFloat the unopened bag for approximately 15–20 minutes to equalize temperature.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGradually introduce small amounts of aquarium water into the bag or acclimation container.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCarefully net or transfer the fish into the aquarium.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAvoid adding shipping water to the display aquarium when practical.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLeave the lights off for several hours while the fish settles.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ol\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eQuarantine new fish whenever a suitable quarantine aquarium is available.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eRoutine Maintenance\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBecause this species can become large and produce substantial waste:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTest ammonia, nitrite, nitrate, and pH regularly.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePerform regular partial water changes.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eVacuum accumulated waste from the substrate.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMaintain good oxygenation.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eClean mechanical filtration as needed.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePreserve biological filter media during maintenance.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAvoid sudden changes in temperature or water chemistry.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eImportant Care Notes\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThis is a large-growing pleco.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDo not purchase it for a small aquarium.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDo not rely on algae as its only food source.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eProvide sinking foods and vegetable matter regularly.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMaintain excellent filtration and oxygenation.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eProvide caves and shaded resting areas.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePlan for the fish's adult size before purchasing.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eNever release aquarium fish into local waterways.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow large does the Redfin Thresher Pleco get?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAdults may reach approximately 15–16 inches, making this a large pleco that requires substantial aquarium space.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs L116 the only L-number for this fish?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNo. This species has also been associated with L011, L035, and L108 in the aquarium trade.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs it peaceful?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGenerally yes toward midwater community fish, although large plecos may become territorial with other bottom-dwelling fish or plecos competing for caves.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWill it clean my aquarium?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt may graze on algae and biofilm, but it is not a substitute for aquarium maintenance and must be provided with a complete diet.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDoes it need driftwood?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDriftwood is strongly recommended because it provides shelter, grazing surfaces, and a more natural environment.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCan I keep it with other plecos?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePossibly, but multiple large plecos require substantial bottom space, multiple hiding areas, and strong filtration.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs it suitable for a 20- or 40-gallon aquarium?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNot long term. Its potential adult size and waste production require a much larger aquarium.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eAvailable at Tropical Treasures Wyo\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRedfin Thresher Pleco L116 are available at Tropical Treasures Wyo in Cheyenne, Wyoming, when in stock.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLive fish are available for \u003cstrong\u003ein-store purchase or local pickup only\u003c\/strong\u003e and are not available for shipping.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Tropical Treasures Wyo LLC","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":54649983271125,"sku":null,"price":39.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"url":"https:\/\/tropicaltreasureswyo.com\/products\/redfin-thresher-pleco-l116","provider":"Tropical Treasures Wyo LLC","version":"1.0","type":"link"}