Description
L046 Hypancistrus sp. Pleco, also known as a Zebra Pleco is an ideal species for the small to medium community aquarium. Zebra pleco is endemic of Brazil river Xingu, Amazon river tributary. These fish are an unusual and beautiful fish not as readily available as other plecos, thus, the higher price tag.
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Features of L046 Hypancistrus sp. Pleco:
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They have alternating stripes of white and black
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The eyes are large and bulbous and giving the fish a unique look
- Grows to 8cm
- Best suited for intermediate to advance aquarists
- Lifespan of 10 years or more
Best Aquarium Size for L046 Hypancistrus sp. Pleco:
L046 Hypancistrus sp. Pleco can do well in a tank of 75L or larger. However, it depends on the size of your pelco. Also, if you want to set up a community tank, you have to increase the tank size.
Suitable aquariums to consider include:
Browse our entire Aquarium Tank Selection here.
Tank Mate Compatibility:
L046 Hypancistrus sp. Pleco can be kept in community tanks. 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 L046 Hypancistrus sp. Pleco, it’s often out-competed for food.
Here are some great tank mates:
Diet:
L046 Hypancistrus sp. Pleco's are omnivorous. They love to feed on wood in the aquarium and has a liking for meaty high protein snacks. Feed them algae wafers, 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.
Check out our extensive range of aquarium fish foods.
Pleco Tank Setup:
Aquarium Filtration
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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Aquarium Heater
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.
Get yourself an aquarium heater here.
Aquarium Plants
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.
Aquarium Decorations
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.
Aquarium Lighting
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 Substrate
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.
