L168 Catfish (Butterfly Pleco) 4-7cm Import

The L168, scientifically known as Dekeyseria brachyura or sometimes referred to as the Butterfly Pleco, Brazil Butterfly Pleco, or Demini Butterfly Pleco, is a visually captivating species among Loricariidae catfish. Here’s an in-depth look at this species:

Physical Characteristics:
Size: Grows to about 14-16 cm (5.5-6.3 inches), which is relatively small for a pleco, making it suitable for smaller tanks.
Coloration: Known for its beautiful, butterfly-like pattern. The body is adorned with alternating stripes of dark brown or black and yellow or orange, which can become more pronounced in different lighting or substrate conditions.
Body Shape: Has a slender, elongated body with a flat ventral side, typical of plecos, but with a more delicate appearance due to its smaller size and coloration.

Behavior and Compatibility:
Temperament: Peaceful and less territorial than many other plecos, making it a good community tank member.
Tankmates: Ideal with small, peaceful fish like tetras, rasboras, or small corydoras. They can coexist with shrimp and other small invertebrates since they are not aggressive predators.
Social Behavior: Best kept in groups of 3-5 to enhance their natural behavior and reduce stress. However, ensure there’s enough space to avoid territorial issues.

Habitat Requirements:
Tank Size: A minimum of 40 gallons for a small group to give them ample space to swim and hide.
Water Parameters:
Temperature: 24°C – 28°C (75°F – 82°F).
pH: 6.5 – 7.5, slightly acidic to neutral.
Hardness: Prefers soft to moderately hard water, around 5-15 dGH.
Substrate: Dark sand or fine gravel to enhance their coloration. They like environments with plenty of hiding spots like caves, driftwood, and plants.

Diet:
Omnivorous: Their diet includes:
Algae and biofilm in the wild, so they will eat algae wafers or spirulina-based foods.
Supplement with blanched vegetables like zucchini, cucumber, or spinach.
They also enjoy wood; providing driftwood not only for shelter but also as part of their diet aids in digestion.

Care Tips:
Aquarium Setup: Mimic their natural habitat with a focus on water movement; they like slightly faster currents which can be achieved with powerheads.
Lighting: They are more active in subdued lighting or at night, so consider dim or indirect lighting.
Water Quality: Regular water changes to maintain cleanliness; they are sensitive to water quality.

Breeding:
Reproduction: Breeding can be encouraged with:
Slightly cooler water changes to mimic seasonal changes.
Providing suitable caves for spawning.
Males will guard eggs laid in these caves, which hatch after about 7-10 days.

The Butterfly Pleco (L168) is particularly noted for its adaptability and ease of care compared to some other plecos, making it a popular choice for both beginners and seasoned aquarists looking for a unique and peaceful bottom-dweller. Their ability to change color based on their environment adds an extra layer of intrigue, enhancing the aesthetic of any tank they inhabit.