L004 Angelicus Pleco (Hypancistrus sp.)

Description

L004 Angelicus Pleco (Hypancistrus sp.)

Boldly patterned, compact and highly prized by pleco enthusiasts, the L004 Angelicus Pleco is a stunning L-number catfish recognised for its striking white spots against a deep charcoal to black body. Combining manageable size with fascinating nocturnal behaviour, it is an outstanding feature fish for mature freshwater aquariums.

Quick Facts

  • Scientific name: Hypancistrus sp.
  • Common name: L004 Angelicus Pleco
  • L-number: L004
  • Current size: Approximately 4–6 cm
  • Adult size: Approximately 12–15 cm
  • Tank size: 100L+ recommended
  • Difficulty: 🟑 Moderate
  • Temperament: Peaceful with mild territorial behaviour towards other plecos
  • Social needs: Best kept singly or in spacious aquariums with multiple caves

Is this for you?

βœ”οΈ Perfect if:

  • You want a striking L-number pleco that remains relatively compact.
  • You have a mature aquarium with excellent water quality.
  • You can provide caves, driftwood and strong filtration.
  • You appreciate unusual and highly collectable catfish.

❌ Avoid if:

  • Your aquarium is newly established or still cycling.
  • You expect the fish to live solely by eating algae.
  • You plan to overcrowd the aquarium with territorial plecos.
  • You cannot maintain consistently clean, oxygen-rich water.

Why choose the L004 Angelicus Pleco?

The L004 Angelicus Pleco is admired for its dramatic contrast between its dark body and crisp white spotting. Every individual develops a slightly different spot pattern, making each fish unique while maintaining the classic appearance that has made this L-number so popular among collectors.

Unlike many common plecos, Hypancistrus species are primarily carnivorous to omnivorous. In nature they feed on aquatic insect larvae, crustaceans and other protein-rich foods rather than grazing heavily on algae or wood.

The L004 is generally shy during daylight hours, preferring to rest inside caves or beneath driftwood before becoming more active after the lights dim. Given suitable hiding places and stable water conditions, it becomes a hardy and rewarding long-term aquarium resident.

Benefits

  • Beautiful black body covered with bright white spots
  • Compact size suitable for medium aquariums
  • Highly desirable collector's L-number pleco
  • Peaceful with most community fish
  • Fascinating nocturnal behaviour
  • Long-lived with proper care

Care made simple

  • Temperature: 27–31Β°C
  • pH: 5.8–7.5
  • Diet: High-quality carnivore pellets, sinking wafers, frozen bloodworms, mysis shrimp, insect larvae and occasional vegetable matter
  • Water: Clean, stable, highly oxygenated with moderate to strong water movement
  • Substrate: Fine sand or smooth gravel
  • Setup: Multiple caves, driftwood, rounded rocks and shaded hiding places
  • Feed after lights out to ensure slower plecos receive adequate nutrition.
  • Perform regular water changes and maintain strong biological filtration to replicate their natural river habitat.

Pairs perfectly with

  • Cardinal Tetras
  • Rummy Nose Tetras
  • Corydoras
  • Peaceful Apistogramma
  • Small to medium peaceful South American cichlids
NTA Insight:
Many aquarists mistakenly purchase Hypancistrus species expecting them to clean algae. In reality, the L004 Angelicus Pleco requires a protein-rich diet and should be viewed as a premium display fish rather than part of a clean-up crew. Providing several caves is especially important, as these fish spend much of the day sheltering before becoming active in the evening.

FAQ

Does the L004 Angelicus Pleco eat algae?

Only occasionally. The L004 is primarily carnivorous to omnivorous and requires regular protein-rich foods such as quality carnivore pellets, frozen foods and insect-based diets.

Does it need driftwood?

Driftwood is recommended as part of a natural aquarium layout, but unlike Panaqolus species, the L004 does not rely on consuming wood for digestion.

How large does the L004 grow?

Adults typically reach around 12–15 cm, making it a manageable L-number pleco for medium-sized aquariums.

Can multiple L004 Plecos be kept together?

Yes, in larger aquariums with multiple caves and clearly defined territories. Mature males may become territorial during breeding or when suitable caves are limited.

Is the L004 suitable for planted aquariums?

Yes. It is generally plant-safe and works well in mature planted aquariums provided plenty of hiding places and good water circulation are available.

Is the L004 suitable for beginners?

It is best suited to aquarists with some experience maintaining stable water quality and understanding the dietary needs of L-number plecos.

How long does the L004 Angelicus Pleco live?

With excellent water quality, proper nutrition and minimal stress, L004 Angelicus Plecos commonly live for 10–15 years or more.

L004 Angelicus Pleco (Hypancistrus sp.)

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Out of stock,  

$599.00


All prices include GST
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    Description

    L004 Angelicus Pleco (Hypancistrus sp.)

    Boldly patterned, compact and highly prized by pleco enthusiasts, the L004 Angelicus Pleco is a stunning L-number catfish recognised for its striking white spots against a deep charcoal to black body. Combining manageable size with fascinating nocturnal behaviour, it is an outstanding feature fish for mature freshwater aquariums.

    Quick Facts

    • Scientific name: Hypancistrus sp.
    • Common name: L004 Angelicus Pleco
    • L-number: L004
    • Current size: Approximately 4–6 cm
    • Adult size: Approximately 12–15 cm
    • Tank size: 100L+ recommended
    • Difficulty: 🟑 Moderate
    • Temperament: Peaceful with mild territorial behaviour towards other plecos
    • Social needs: Best kept singly or in spacious aquariums with multiple caves

    Is this for you?

    βœ”οΈ Perfect if:

    • You want a striking L-number pleco that remains relatively compact.
    • You have a mature aquarium with excellent water quality.
    • You can provide caves, driftwood and strong filtration.
    • You appreciate unusual and highly collectable catfish.

    ❌ Avoid if:

    • Your aquarium is newly established or still cycling.
    • You expect the fish to live solely by eating algae.
    • You plan to overcrowd the aquarium with territorial plecos.
    • You cannot maintain consistently clean, oxygen-rich water.

    Why choose the L004 Angelicus Pleco?

    The L004 Angelicus Pleco is admired for its dramatic contrast between its dark body and crisp white spotting. Every individual develops a slightly different spot pattern, making each fish unique while maintaining the classic appearance that has made this L-number so popular among collectors.

    Unlike many common plecos, Hypancistrus species are primarily carnivorous to omnivorous. In nature they feed on aquatic insect larvae, crustaceans and other protein-rich foods rather than grazing heavily on algae or wood.

    The L004 is generally shy during daylight hours, preferring to rest inside caves or beneath driftwood before becoming more active after the lights dim. Given suitable hiding places and stable water conditions, it becomes a hardy and rewarding long-term aquarium resident.

    Benefits

    • Beautiful black body covered with bright white spots
    • Compact size suitable for medium aquariums
    • Highly desirable collector's L-number pleco
    • Peaceful with most community fish
    • Fascinating nocturnal behaviour
    • Long-lived with proper care

    Care made simple

    • Temperature: 27–31Β°C
    • pH: 5.8–7.5
    • Diet: High-quality carnivore pellets, sinking wafers, frozen bloodworms, mysis shrimp, insect larvae and occasional vegetable matter
    • Water: Clean, stable, highly oxygenated with moderate to strong water movement
    • Substrate: Fine sand or smooth gravel
    • Setup: Multiple caves, driftwood, rounded rocks and shaded hiding places
    • Feed after lights out to ensure slower plecos receive adequate nutrition.
    • Perform regular water changes and maintain strong biological filtration to replicate their natural river habitat.

    Pairs perfectly with

    • Cardinal Tetras
    • Rummy Nose Tetras
    • Corydoras
    • Peaceful Apistogramma
    • Small to medium peaceful South American cichlids
    NTA Insight:
    Many aquarists mistakenly purchase Hypancistrus species expecting them to clean algae. In reality, the L004 Angelicus Pleco requires a protein-rich diet and should be viewed as a premium display fish rather than part of a clean-up crew. Providing several caves is especially important, as these fish spend much of the day sheltering before becoming active in the evening.

    FAQ

    Does the L004 Angelicus Pleco eat algae?

    Only occasionally. The L004 is primarily carnivorous to omnivorous and requires regular protein-rich foods such as quality carnivore pellets, frozen foods and insect-based diets.

    Does it need driftwood?

    Driftwood is recommended as part of a natural aquarium layout, but unlike Panaqolus species, the L004 does not rely on consuming wood for digestion.

    How large does the L004 grow?

    Adults typically reach around 12–15 cm, making it a manageable L-number pleco for medium-sized aquariums.

    Can multiple L004 Plecos be kept together?

    Yes, in larger aquariums with multiple caves and clearly defined territories. Mature males may become territorial during breeding or when suitable caves are limited.

    Is the L004 suitable for planted aquariums?

    Yes. It is generally plant-safe and works well in mature planted aquariums provided plenty of hiding places and good water circulation are available.

    Is the L004 suitable for beginners?

    It is best suited to aquarists with some experience maintaining stable water quality and understanding the dietary needs of L-number plecos.

    How long does the L004 Angelicus Pleco live?

    With excellent water quality, proper nutrition and minimal stress, L004 Angelicus Plecos commonly live for 10–15 years or more.

    Live Arrival & Ordering FAQ

    Why do livestock prices sometimes change?

    Unlike manufactured products, fish and shrimp continue to grow and develop over time. Their value changes as they increase in size, develop colour, or become breeding pairs.

    Our prices are based on the current size, quality and availability of each specimen. While pricing often remains stable for around 3–4 months, it may be updated at any time to reflect these changes.

    We always aim to offer healthy, high-quality livestock at fair and competitive prices.

    Do you offer a live arrival guarantee?

    Yes. All livestock is covered by our Live Arrival Guarantee.

    In the rare event of DOA, please contact us promptly with clear photos of the livestock in the original unopened bag.

    Please review our full DOA and store policies before purchase.

    Can you ship to all states in Australia?

    No. Due to state restrictions, we cannot ship livestock or live plants to WA and TAS.

    What should I check before ordering?

    Before placing an order, make sure:

    • Your tank is fully cycled and stable
    • Your aquarium has enough space for the species
    • Your current livestock are compatible in temperament, size, and requirements
    • Your water parameters, habitat, and temperature suit the species
    • You are not adding too many fish at once
    What should I expect when my fish arrives?

    It is normal for fish, shrimp, or snails to look pale, stressed, or less active after shipping.

    This is temporary. Most livestock will settle and regain colour within a few days.

    How long does it take for fish to settle in?

    Most livestock will take 3–7 days to fully adjust to their new environment.

    Should I feed my fish immediately after arrival?

    No. We recommend waiting 24 hours before feeding to allow them to settle.

    If you already have fish in your tank, feeding them before introducing new arrivals can help reduce stress.

    Why do fish sometimes struggle after being added to a tank?

    In most cases, issues are caused by tank conditions, not shipping.

    • Uncycled or unstable tanks
    • Poor water parameters
    • Overstocking
    • Unsuitable tank mates
    What is Nano Tanks Australia’s main tip for new livestock?

    Most livestock losses happen in immature or unstable tanks, not during shipping.

    If your setup is not fully established, the risk to new arrivals is significantly higher.

    Not sure if this fish is right for your setup?

    If you are unsure whether this species suits your setup, contact us before ordering and we’ll help point you in the right direction.

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