All fish / Loricariidae

Zebra pleco

Hypancistrus zebra

Also known as zebra plec, l046, l-046, l46, imperial pleco, zebra plecostomus, zebra pleco l046, ซีบร้าเพลโค, ikan bandaraya zebra, インペリアルゼブラプレコ, ゼブラプレコ, zebra pleco

A small suckermouth catfish with bold black and white stripes running along the body and fins, making it one of the most sought after plecos. It stays small, does not damage plants and suits warm, well oxygenated aquariums with rocky caves.

Care at a glance

Care level

Moderate

Temperament

Peaceful

Adult size

7 cm

Temperature

26 to 31 °C

pH

6 to 7.5

Smallest tank

80 litres

Keep as

Single or a group with one male to several females; give each fish its own cave

Diet

Carnivore: sinking pellets, frozen bloodworm, brine shrimp, mysis and chopped seafood

Swims

Bottom of the tank

Lifespan

10 to 15 years

Water

Freshwater

Wild range

Brazil: Rio Xingu (Volta Grande region)

Breeding

A cave spawner: the female lays a small clutch of large eggs in the male's cave and he guards them until the fry are free swimming. It breeds fairly reliably in captivity given warm, clean, fast flowing water, though clutches are small and growth is slow.

Good to know

Wild export from Brazil is banned because its home range was badly affected by the Belo Monte dam, and it is listed in CITES Appendix III, so buy captive bred stock. Needs very warm, highly oxygenated water with strong flow and is easily outcompeted for food by bigger bottom feeders.