These are very distinctive and are very good algea cleaners. They are also great at eating uneaten food from the other fish in the tank that falls to the bottom. They are very active, do not hide much and are not afraid of lights. There are EXTREMELY hardy and are a great pleco for beginner hobbyist. They will grow to a large size of 12 - 14 inches in an aquarium. We recommend a Ph of between 6.2 to 7.6 and a temperature of 74 to 86 degrees. They are mainly wood eaters but also need algae and animal protein in their diets. These were wild caught in the lower Amazon Basin of Brazil. All Plecos are unique and the coloration/pattern of each can vary. The Pleco you are purchasing is a juvenile. Plecos will not show their full pattern and final coloration as in the picture until fully mature.