The Para Plec is a beautiful suckermouth catfish species suitable for large, mature softwater aquaria. In the wild, these shy bottom dwellers live amongst rocky substrates in fast flowing rivers and therefore require decent current and a good level of oxygenation within the aquarium. Provide plenty of hiding places amongst low, smooth, rocky caves and driftwood, and try to ensure that reasonable current flows through these shelters. Plants are not strictly necessary, although they may make the tank look more aesthetically pleasing; however try to choose robust species, preferably those that can be tied to wood and not uprooted by digging. A powerful filtration system is recommended as these fish, like other Loricariids, do tend to produce a fair amount of waste. Tankmates for the mid level of the tank, which will help encourage your plecs out into the open, could include good sized shoals of some of the small to medium sized tetras, plus they also get along very well with Brochis and Corydoras catfish who would share the substrate/lower levels. Para Plecs are generally very peaceable, but if keeping more than one in the same aquarium, do ensure that there is plenty of space and many hiding places to choose from (including several visual barriers amongst the decor) so that everyone is happy. Check that the fish have been rested after import and that they are feeding well before purchase, as they can sometimes be a little sensitive to the shipping process. There has been some degree of uncertainty about which genus this fish truly belongs in - it has been moved from Peckoltia, Ancistrus, and Ancistomus to Hemiancistrus then back to Peckoltia. The large geological distribution area and subtle variations in pattern/colour have, in the past, caused this species to be mistaken for different fish and it has been assigned different L-numbers, including L075, L124, L301, and LDA002.