White Spot Lyretail
White Spot Lyretail
White Spot Lyretail (Acanthicus adonis) is one of the most spectacular loricariids available as a juvenile — jet-black body densely covered in vivid white spots with elongated lyretail caudal fin extensions. It is also one of the most frequently misunderstood in terms of its ultimate size.
Feeding & Care Tip: Hikari Sinking Wafers and Hikari Frozen or Freeze-Dried Bloodworms are the primary foods — this species is primarily carnivorous. Supplement with Hikari Mini Algae Wafers and blanched vegetables. As adults, larger meaty foods including frozen fish and shrimp are appropriate.
⚠ Size Warning: The White Spot Lyretail (Acanthicus adonis) is sold as an attractive 3–4 inch juvenile but grows to 36 inches (90 cm) — one of the largest loricariid catfish available. A 300+ gallon aquarium is required for an adult. Purchase only if you can commit to providing appropriate long-term housing.
Native to the Rio Tocantins and Rio Araguaia in Brazil — fast-flowing, rocky rivers. Adults reach 36 inches and are powerful, robust fish that require enormous aquariums. Juveniles are sold at 3–4 inches and are extraordinarily beautiful.
Juveniles can be housed in standard aquariums but will outgrow them rapidly. Adults require 300+ gallons. Territorial with conspecifics. Compatible with other very large, robust fish.
The White Spot Lyretail is one of the most striking juvenile plecos available, but it is a fish that requires a genuine long-term commitment to providing appropriate adult housing.
Care & Ideal Parameters
| Difficulty | Advanced |
| Temperament | Territorial — large specialist |
| Typical Adult Size | 36 inches (90 cm) |
| Min. Group Size | Singly — 300+ gallon for adults |
| Ideal Temp | 78–84°F (26–29°C) |
| Ideal pH | 6.0–7.5 |
| Ideal GH | 2–12 dGH |
| Ideal KH | 0–5 dKH |
| Staple Food | Hikari Sinking Wafers; Hikari Frozen or Freeze-Dried Bloodworms |
| Treat / Supplement | Hikari Frozen or Freeze-Dried Brine Shrimp; frozen mussel or shrimp |
| Origin | Rio Tocantins and Rio Araguaia, Brazil |
| Notes | Grows to 36 inches — 300+ gallon required as adult. Juvenile white spots on black body are spectacular. Lyretail caudal extensions. Rio Tocantins and Araguaia. |
