Feedbook/Fish

Zebra pleco

Hypancistrus zebra

Also called L046, zebra catfish

Zebra pleco side portrait: black-and-white striped body with flat sucker mouth

Essential gear

  • 60 cm+ tank
  • Ceramic cave or tube
  • Filter
  • Heater
  • Thermometer
  • Sinking carnivorous food

Lifespan

10–15years

Water temperature

26–30°C

pH

6.0–7.0

Water column

Bottom

Attaches to hardscape; roams foraging at night

Single or pair

Single or male-female pair

Multiple males fight for territory

Diet

Mostly carnivorous

Bloodworms, brine shrimp, sinking pleco pellets

Suggested habitat

Aim for a soft acidic blackwater tank of at least 600 × 300 × 350 mm. Must have caves to hide; don't use only sharp gravel on the bottom. Feed sinking carnivorous food at night.

Plates are husbandry references—not build plans or generator parameters. Check your own water, vessel, and stocking before you act.