Parancistrus aurantiacus is a very unique pleco from Peru. They are named for their very wide and flat body proportions, making them appear chubby from above. Interestingly, this pleco has the ability to change colour from slate-grey to bright yellow, and can even display patchwork calico colours between the two extremes. It is not known what causes them to change colour, and apparently it does not often occur in home aquaria once the fish have settled into captive life. This is a mid to large sized pleco that reaches around 7.5 in maximum length, although bear in mind its high mass comes with a higher bioload than expected for a 7.5 fish.

These are juvenile specimens around 2.5 long. Theyre quite heavily built already, but will need to grow more to really show off their comical chubbiness.