Queen Arabesque Pleco (L260)

Care at a glance

Overview

A dwarf pleco that fits a tank as small as 75 liters, which makes it one of the more apartment-friendly L-numbers. Feed a protein diet of sinking carnivore pellets, frozen bloodworms, brine shrimp, and gel foods, not algae wafers as a staple. Peaceful and well suited to a group of its own kind or a calm community with narrow spawning caves.

In the wild

Lives in clear, fast, rocky shallows of the Tapajos, sheltering in cracks and under stones. Like other Hypancistrus it is a carnivore rather than an algae grazer, hunting insect larvae and other small invertebrates in the current. Give it fine caves, some flow, and good oxygen.

Good to know

An undescribed Hypancistrus known only as L260, wearing a maze of thin black and white lines that give it the arabesque name. It stays small at around 9 to 10 cm. It has been captive bred in the hobby for years.

Did you know

Because it is a small cave-spawning Hypancistrus, a bonded pair will often breed in a community tank if given a snug cave the male can guard.

Related species

• 

  Zebra pleco

  Hypancistrus zebra

  3.1 in (8 cm)15 gal (55 L)79–86°F (26–30°C)
• Colombian Zebra Pleco (L129)

  Hypancistrus debilittera

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