Acanthicus adonis, the adonis pleco or polka dot lyre-tail pleco, is a large species of armored catfish.[1][2] It was originally described from the lower Tocantins River in Brazil, but individuals resembling the species have also been recorded from Amazonian Peru.[3][4] The species is occasionally seen in the aquarium trade, but its massive adult size and territorially aggressive behavior means that a very large tank is required.[4][1] These fish are opportunistic omnivores.[1]
Acanthicus adonis is among the largest armored catfish species and reaches a length of 1 m (3.3 ft).[1][4]
It is dark brown to black with numerous white spots as a juvenile. As the fish matures, the spots become less numerous and smaller, often disappearing entirely in large adults.[1][4] Its close relative A. hystrix always lack white spots, regardless of age.[3][5] In contrast, A. adonis lacks the vermiculated pattern often (but not always) found on the underparts of A. hystrix.[3][5]
Acanthicus adonis, the adonis pleco or polka dot lyre-tail pleco, is a large species of armored catfish. It was originally described from the lower Tocantins River in Brazil, but individuals resembling the species have also been recorded from Amazonian Peru. The species is occasionally seen in the aquarium trade, but its massive adult size and territorially aggressive behavior means that a very large tank is required. These fish are opportunistic omnivores.
