Colombian Zebra Pleco (L129)

Care at a glance

Overview

A dwarf pleco happy in a tank of 75 liters or so, often kept in small groups. Feed a protein-rich diet of sinking carnivore pellets, frozen bloodworms, and brine shrimp, since it is a poor algae eater and needs meaty food to thrive. Sociable with its own kind but males will squabble over caves, so provide several narrow hides.

In the wild

Lives in warm, rocky, moderately flowing tributaries of the Colombian Orinoco, tucking into stone crevices and among sunken wood. As a Hypancistrus it is a carnivore, working over the substrate for insect larvae and small invertebrates rather than grazing algae. Wants caves, some current, and clean oxygenated water.

Good to know

Described as Hypancistrus debilittera and nicknamed the false zebra because its wavy pale lines on a dark body recall the true zebra pleco Hypancistrus zebra without the crisp banding. It stays small at around 8 to 9 cm. The pattern varies a lot between individuals.

Did you know

It is one of the cheapest and hardiest zebra-patterned Hypancistrus, which makes it a common first step for hobbyists working up to the pricey true zebra pleco.

Related species

• Mega Clown Pleco (L340)

  Hypancistrus sp. L340

  3.5 in (9 cm)20 gal (75 L)79–86°F (26–30°C)

• 

  King tiger pleco (L066)

  Hypancistrus sp. L066

  5.1 in (13 cm)40 gal (150 L)79–84°F (26–29°C)
• Orinoco Angel Pleco (L201)

  Hypancistrus sp. L201

  5.9 in (15 cm)30 gal (115 L)79–86°F (26–30°C)
• Snowball pleco (L102)

  Hypancistrus inspector

  5.9 in (15 cm)30 gal (113 L)75–82°F (24–28°C)
• Queen Arabesque Pleco (L260)

  Hypancistrus sp. L260

  3.9 in (10 cm)20 gal (75 L)79–86°F (26–30°C)

• 

  Zebra pleco

  Hypancistrus zebra

  3.1 in (8 cm)15 gal (55 L)79–86°F (26–30°C)