TankBud

Colombian zebra pleco (L129)

Hypancistrus debilittera

Also known as L129, False Zebra Pleco, Columbian Zebra Plec

FreshwaterFish

Colombian zebra pleco (L129) (Hypancistrus debilittera)
The Wet Spot Tropical Fish · Used with permission

Care at a glance

Temperature
79–86°F
26–30°C
pH
6.0–7.5
Adult size
3.5 in
9 cm
Minimum tank
20 gal
75 L
Temperament
Mostly peaceful
Social behavior
Social
Swim level
Bottom
Diet
Carnivore
Difficulty
Medium
Breeding
Medium
Rarity
Rare
Family
Loricariidae
Origin
Rio Bita and Rio Meta in the Orinoco basin of Colombia.

Overview

The Colombian zebra pleco (L129) is a dwarf pleco for the bottom of a warm community tank. It is a step up from the easiest community fish.

Did you know

The Colombian zebra pleco (L129) is one of the cheapest and hardiest zebra-patterned Hypancistrus. That makes it a common first step for hobbyists working up to the pricey true zebra pleco.

Caring for the Colombian zebra pleco (L129)

Give the Colombian zebra pleco (L129) at least 20 gal (75 L), with caves, some current and clean, oxygenated water. Keep it warm, at 79 to 86°F (26 to 30°C), with a pH of 6.0 to 7.5.

It is a carnivore and a poor algae eater, so it needs meaty food. Feed a protein-rich diet of sinking carnivore pellets, frozen bloodworms and brine shrimp.

It is sociable with its own kind and is often kept in small groups. Males will squabble over caves, so provide several narrow hides. It is mostly peaceful and safe with community fish, and breeding it is moderately difficult.

Good to know

The Colombian zebra pleco (L129) was described as Hypancistrus debilittera, in the family Loricariidae. It is nicknamed the false zebra. Its wavy pale lines on a dark body recall the true zebra pleco, Hypancistrus zebra, without the crisp banding. The pattern varies a lot between individuals.

In the wild

The Colombian zebra pleco (L129) comes from the Rio Bita and Rio Meta in the Orinoco basin of Colombia. It lives in warm, rocky, moderately flowing tributaries, tucking into stone crevices and among sunken wood. It works over the substrate for insect larvae and small invertebrates rather than grazing algae.

Weekly picks

Tank mates

The Colombian zebra pleco (L129) is a mostly peaceful, social species that keeps to the bottom. These picks share a community profile with it, are safe together in both directions, and overlap on water type, temperature and pH.

Check the full mix in the stocking calculator

Common questions

What size tank does a Colombian zebra pleco (L129) need?

A Colombian zebra pleco (L129) needs at least 20 gal (75 L). It spends most of its time in the bottom.

What temperature and pH does a Colombian zebra pleco (L129) need?

A Colombian zebra pleco (L129) is comfortable at 79–86°F (26–30°C) with a pH of 6.0–7.5.

What does a Colombian zebra pleco (L129) eat?

A Colombian zebra pleco (L129) is a carnivore and a poor algae eater, so it needs meaty food. Feed a protein-rich diet of sinking carnivore pellets, frozen bloodworms and brine shrimp.

How big does a Colombian zebra pleco (L129) get?

An adult Colombian zebra pleco (L129) reaches about 3.5 in (9 cm).

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