Zebra Pleco

Zebra Pleco
Hypancistrus zebra | Pictures




Synonyms: Peckoltia zebra
Physical description: Similar in body shape to Peckoltia species. The body is bright white in color with an overlaying, unique pattern of black stripes. This pattern continues through the fins. No two specimen are said to have the same pattern.
Size/Length: To 3.5" (9 cm)
Similar species: Loricarids L98 and L173 are thought to be variations of H. zebra, but could be distinct species.
Habitat: South America; on rocky substrates of the Rio Xingu, Brazil
Aquarium: 20" (50 cm) or 10 gallons (38 L). Provide a hiding places for each fish with rocks having crevices, holes, and caves. Driftwood can be added, though it is not a requirement as Zebras do not chew on the wood like other Loricarids. The tank should be well-planted and well oxygenated, as its native waters are oxygen-rich.
Water chemistry: pH 6-7.5 (6.6), 1-12 dH (5), 77-86°F (25-30°C)
Social behavior: A small, shy fish that should not be combined with other bottom dwellers that will compete for food. Each fish sets up a small territory around a selected retreat. In a good sized tank (25 gallons or more), a number of Zebra Plecos can be kept as long as each is supplied with a retreat. Keep with small, peaceful fish of the upper swimming levels. A nocturnal fish.
Suggested companions: Tetras, Apistogramma, Hatchetfish, barbs, danios
FOOD: Live; Brine Shrimp, insect larvae, Daphnia, Cyclops; vegetables; lettuce, spinach, zucchini; tablets; flake
Sexual differences: The first pectoral fin ray is thicker in the male, and the head/pectoral region of the male is broader.
Breeding techniques: There are at least four factors important in stimulating spawning of the Zebra Pleco: an increase in water temperature to 82-86°F (28-30°C), a high oxygen content of the water, a moderate to strong water current and suitable breeding caves. The spawning caves should be just long enough to house a fish and wide enough for two Zebra Plecos and should have some water current passing through it. Spawning is most likely in a tank with several Zebra Plecos and numerous spawning caves. Fish may pair off and lay cloudy-white eggs within a cave. The male chases out the female and guards the eggs, which usually number 8-15. He will continue to guard the fry until they can feed on their own. The eggs can be removed and reared artificially in a well-aerated rearing tank. The eggs hatch six days after being laid and the fry can be first fed two weeks after hatching (when their egg sacs are depleted). Start feeding with Brine Shrimp nauplii and dry foods. Make frequent partial water changes on the rearing tank. The young grow slowly, but can reach 1" (2.5 cm) in under 3 months.
Breeding potential: 8. Breeding is difficult, although under the right conditions it is manageable..
Remarks: A recent introduction to the hobby, the Zebra Pleco was first introduced into the United States in 1989. Formerly known as "L 46." The Zebra Pleco will not eat algae.
Difficulty of care: 5. A fairly hardy fish as long as water maintenance is kept up. This species will starve to death if not deliberately fed.

All for a price of $200+

philuponthepho wrote:

All for a price of $200+

But they do look awesome!

$200 won't get you much more than 1.5" on these guys, each....

Damn that Brazilian government! Time to take a fishing boat out to the Xingu River(part of amazon) and catch me some of these and sell em :)

Apparently too many were exported for the aquarium trade and now they are endangered. Breeding them and selling them would make a good profit!

That placo look so awesome!!!! I want one
but where to order him?

Tomorrow we will be looking for the Zebra Pleco. Hopefully there will be plenty to find. I will let you know tomorrow nite with results.

Thanks bud... i'll be looking foward to your post

These little guys are shy and very fast when they feel like moving! Other than that they just sit there and look good

Prices are droping on these guys. There is a guy on plecofanatics selling WC for $100 at 2". They are endagered due to a dam that looks like it will be built flooding their habitat. These guys are cheap compared to some of the other small Hypans. The hot pleco now is L260 because of the ban, not many getting out of Brazil. Lots of L46 getting out though.

I love the look. Very nice pleco. Will have one soon!

We found 4 saturday and 3 today. Work done for government. Just writing report left. Now for some fun. Fishing for peacock bass and hunting. Hunting means anything that flys. Another wonderful day in the jungles. I'm hoping to bag a Macaw this year. One rule is there is no rules on hunting and fishing. No game wardens.

...

12 years old

...

wow

Gorgeous, def on my list!

Awesome info!

The adults are a lot less shy than the younger guys.

all I see of my young ones is the occasional tail....

i never see mine, but that probably cause i dont have the money to buy one

I'm going to have to get me one of those Pleco's.They are awesome!!!

Oh I want one of those so bad but they are so expensive.