L046 Catfish (Zebra Pleco) Import

The L046, commonly known as the Zebra Pleco or Hypancistrus zebra, is one of the most sought-after and visually striking catfish in the aquarium hobby. Here’s a detailed look at this fascinating species:

Physical Characteristics:
Size: Grows to about 6-8 cm (2.4-3.1 inches) in length, making it relatively small for a pleco, which is ideal for nano tanks or smaller setups.
Coloration: Features a distinctive black and white striped pattern, reminiscent of a zebra, hence the name. The contrast between the stripes is particularly vivid, especially in well-kept specimens.
Body Shape: Has a slender, elongated body with a flat ventral surface, typical of Loricariids, but with a more delicate appearance due to its smaller size.

Behavior and Compatibility:
Temperament: Peaceful but territorial with its own kind. They prefer to claim their own territories, particularly breeding caves.
Tankmates: Best with small, peaceful fish that won’t outcompete them for food or space on the bottom. Good tankmates include tetras, rasboras, and small corydoras. Avoid aggressive or boisterous fish.
Social Behavior: Should be kept in groups, but with adequate space and hiding places to avoid territorial disputes. A group of 5-6 in a species-only setup or with compatible fish is ideal.

Habitat Requirements:
Tank Size: A minimum of 30 gallons for a small group, but larger is better for their territorial nature and to mimic their natural environment.
Water Parameters:
Temperature: 26°C – 29°C (78.8°F – 84.2°F).
pH: 6.0 – 7.5, slightly acidic to neutral.
Hardness: Soft to moderately hard water; 5-10 dGH.
Substrate: Fine sand or smooth gravel, with plenty of caves and hiding spots made from rocks or driftwood. They thrive in environments that replicate the fast-flowing, oxygen-rich waters of the Rio Xingu.

Diet:
Carnivorous: Their primary diet in nature consists of small invertebrates and biofilm:
In captivity, they require high-quality sinking pellets or wafers, ideally with added spirulina or similar.
Live or frozen foods like bloodworms, brine shrimp, and daphnia are beneficial for variety.
They are not significant algae eaters, so don’t rely on them for algae control.

Care Tips:
Aquarium Setup: High oxygenation and water flow are crucial; consider using powerheads or a river tank setup.
Lighting: They prefer darker conditions; use plants or decor to create shaded areas.
Water Quality: Sensitive to nitrates; frequent water changes are essential.

Breeding:
Reproduction: Breeding requires attention to detail:
Males will select and defend breeding caves.
The water conditions should mimic those of the Rio Xingu, with strong water flow and high oxygenation.
Eggs are laid in caves; males guard them until they hatch. The fry initially feed on their yolk sac before requiring micro foods like baby brine shrimp or infusoria.

The Zebra Pleco (L046) is not just visually appealing but also comes with a reputation for being demanding in terms of care and breeding. Their natural habitat’s destruction adds a layer of ethical consideration as well, since wild-caught specimens are rare and often expensive due to conservation efforts. Most available in the hobby are now from captive breeding, which is both encouraging for conservation and offers hobbyists a chance to enjoy these beauties in their homes.