All fish / Loricariidae

L129 Colombian Zebra Pleco

Hypancistrus debilittera

Also known as l129, colombian zebra pleco, colombian l129, false zebra pleco, l129 pleco, hypancistrus l129, l-129, L129, ヒパンキストルス・デビリッテラ, L129哥伦比亚斑马异型

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A small suckermouth catfish with a dark body crossed by irregular cream or white wavy bands and stripes, the pattern varying from fish to fish. It is kept as an affordable, compact alternative to the rare Zebra Pleco and suits planted community tanks with warm, well-oxygenated water.

Care at a glance

Care level

Moderate

Temperament

Peaceful

Adult size

9 cm

Temperature

26 to 30 °C

pH

6 to 7.5

Smallest tank

80 litres

Keep as

Singly, or a small group with plenty of caves

Diet

Omnivore: sinking pellets, frozen bloodworm, brine shrimp and mysis, with some vegetable matter

Swims

Bottom of the tank

Lifespan

10 to 15 years

Water

Freshwater

Wild range

Colombia and Venezuela: upper and middle Orinoco basin (Río Meta, Río Guaviare)

Breeding

A cave spawner; the male guards the eggs and larvae inside a narrow cave until the fry are free-swimming. It breeds fairly readily in captivity given warm, clean water and suitable caves.

Good to know

Needs strong water flow and high oxygen levels at warm temperatures, and should not be crossed with other Hypancistrus species. Sellers sometimes confuse it with L201 or other banded Hypancistrus.