Hi, L273 is certainly a splendid pleco. I have mine for more than 5 years and it have grown from 2" to 8" (SL). I will share some knowledge of L273 with u. (These info are base solely on my obervation with the L273 that I have in my aquarium and hence , some of the other L273 keeper may not agree with me with some of them....)
In the home aquarium, the caudal extension can reach a very long length! (My L273 has a caudal extension of about 5"!)The colouration is more attractive in the male specimen when the fish grow up. The sex of the L273 should be obvious when ur L273 reach about 4" (SL). For the male specimen, the orange and black colouration will not merge and become messy like the female specimen. If u keep the pH to be on the slight acidic side (around 6.5), the orange colouration will be more intensified.
At smaller size, (about 2-3" SL), it is rather shy and only venture out for food hen the light is out. But once it reached 4" and above, it became rather brave and it is always one of the first pleco in my community tank to reach the food! It prefer driftwood to rocks/slates for hiding place in my tank. Its fav food include Hikari algae wafers, frozen beef heart(I had stopped feeding beefheart) and various sinking granules that are meant for discus. Behaviourial wise, it is a very peaceful fellow and is very suitable for a pleco community tank.
Hope these info helps!
