L168 Butterfly Clown Pleco, also known as the Brazil Butterfly Pleco is an ideal species for the small to medium community aquarium. These fish are not as readily available as other plecos, thus, the higher price tag.
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L168 Butterfly Clown Pleco can do well in a tank of 100L or larger. However, it depends on the size of your pleco.
Also, if you want to set up a community tank, you have to increase the tank size.
Suitable aquariums to consider include:
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L168 Butterfly Clown Pleco can be kept in community tanks but are territorial towards their own species. They are peaceful towards other peaceful smaller species. If keeping multiple together, ensure plenty of space and provide caves and territories for each to claim. Do not add larger or more active bottom-dwellers. Because of the passive nature of the L168 Butterfly Clown Pleco, it’s often out-competed for food.
Here are some great tank mates:
L168 Butterfly Clown Pleco's do best on a high-protein diet. Feed them algae wafers, high quality and protein flakes and sinking pellets. They also accept treats like live or frozen bloodworms, brine shrimp, and insect larvae. Vegetables such as zucchini can be fed once a week.
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Water quality is vital. This fish produces a large amount of waste, so an excellent filter is essential. Cannister filters are a great option for medium to large aquariums. Ensure your filter has an adequate flow rate for your aquarium size.
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This pleco enjoys temperatures between 25 - 28° C. To manage stable water temperatures, we recommend installing a reliable aquarium heater and always monitor with an additional thermometer.
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There are no strict cultivars that these fish prefer. So, get creative and add a variety of plants that fit this environment. Floating plants or large-leaved plants like java fern are all good choices for your pleco tank. Pleco's enjoy shaded areas and places to hide, this makes them feel safe.
Interested in live plants for your aquariums? Browse live plants here.
These cave-dwellers will appreciate a replication of their natural habitat, and that means you have the option of adding rock structures, pleco caves, and driftwood. Creating caves enables your fish to feel safe and claim territory. This species requires wood in their diet to aid digestion, so adding driftwood to your aquarium is essential.
After more nice quality decorations? Check our Aquarium Driftwood Ornaments.
These fish enjoy lower light levels with lots of shade and dark spaces to hide. If keeping live plants, they will need sufficient light to grow.
Standard aquarium lighting is appropriate. Shop aquarium lighting here.
Aquarium sand is ideal for plecos as they are bottom dwellers and will forage through substrate for food. If you prefer to use gravel, use a smooth and rounded gravel to protect their bodies.
A variety of Substrates are available at Coburg Aquarium.