Description

L046 Zebra Pleco (Hypancistrus zebra)

Species Care Sheet:

• Scientific Name: Hypancistrus zebra.
• Common Names: Zebra Pleco, L046, L098, L173 (variants).
• Origin: Endemic to the Rio Xingu, Brazil (specifically fast-flowing, oxygen-rich rocky rapids).
• Status: Listed as Endangered in the wild; CITES Appendix II regulated. Captive-bred specimens are the only ethical choice for UK hobbyists.
• Adult Size: 7–9 cm (approx. 3–3.5 inches).
• Lifespan: 10–15 years with specialist care. 

• Tank Size: A minimum of 60–80 litres (13–18 imperial gallons) for a pair or trio. Long, shallow tanks are superior to tall ones.
• Water Movement: High flow is essential. Use powerheads or wavemakers to simulate the “Big Bend” rapids. Aim for a turnover rate of at least 10–15 times the tank volume per hour.
• Oxygenation: They have high oxygen demands. Use air stones or Venturi outlets to ensure the water is saturated with oxygen, especially at higher temperatures.
• Substrate & Decor: Use smooth river sand or fine gravel. Provide an abundance of narrow slate caves, bogwood, and smooth cobbles. Each fish requires its own cave to feel secure.
• Lighting: Subdued. They are naturally shy and nocturnal; floating plants can help diffuse light, though they must be able to withstand the high flow. 

• Temperature: 26°C – 30°C (79°F – 86°F). They require warmer water than many other tropical species.
• pH Range: 6.0 – 7.5 (Ideally slightly acidic to neutral).
• Hardness: 2 – 10 °dGH (Soft to medium-hard).
• Nitrate: Must be kept as close to zero as possible. Weekly water changes of 30–50% are mandatory using de-chlorinated water matched precisely to the tank’s temperature. 

• Primary Foods: High-protein sinking pellets (e.g., NT Labs Probiotic Tropical), crushed Carnivore Wafers, and frozen foods like Bloodworm, Mysis, and enriched Brine Shrimp.
• Feeding Strategy: They are shy feeders. It is often best to feed them just as the lights go out. Ensure more boisterous tank mates do not steal their food. 

• Social: Peaceful but territorial toward other bottom-dwellers. They are best kept in a small colony (e.g., 2 males and 3–4 females).
• Tank Mates: Choose calm, top-dwelling species that won’t compete for food. Good options include Congo Tetras, Rummy-nose Tetras, or Discus (due to shared temperature needs).
• Avoid: Overly active or aggressive bottom-feeders like large Loaches or larger, more dominant Hypancistrus species that may outcompete them. 

• Dimorphism: Males have broader heads and more prominent “interopercular” odontodes (cheek spines) and pectoral fin spines.
• The Process: They are cave spawners. The male traps the female in his cave until she lays a small clutch of large, yellow eggs (typically 7–15).
• Parental Care: The male guards the eggs and fans them for roughly 7 days until they hatch. The fry are slow-growing and require pristine water and high-protein powdered foods or baby brine shrimp. 

Convenient nationwide delivery; you’re only a click away!

Please put your desired delivery day in the Order Notes on the Checkout page.