Zebra Pleco

Zebra Pleco, a catfish species indigenous to Brazil, was primarily described by Nijssen and Isbrucker in 1991. The black and white striped pattern on its body similar to that of the zebra earns the fish its name. Because of its high demand as an aquarium fish, it was exported in large numbers from its country of origin. However, at present, the Brazilian government has placed a ban on its exportation as it is on the verge of extinction in the wild.

  Quick Information

Scientific Name	Hypancistrus zebra
Other Names	Imperial pleco; L046, and L098 (as per the L numbering classification pattern of catfish)
Origin	Brazil, in the Xingu River’s Big Bend region
Type	Freshwater fish
Conservation Status	Not recorded (by the IUCN), but the IBAMA (Brazilian Institute of Environment and Renewable Natural Resources) put it in their endangered species list in 2004
Behavioral Characteristics	Peaceful and cooperative, but can show aggression towards same-sex zebra plecos
School Size	4 – 5
Physical Traits	Small, elongated body; flat stomach; uniquely striped pattern; long snout; high-set, big eyes; long and slightly bent upper teeth; deeply forked lower teeth; V-shaped tail; seven soft rays and a single coarse on the dorsal fin; four soft rays and a single coarse on the anal fin
Colors	Black and white stripes running throughout its body
Size (How big do they get)	Small; 3.5 inches (8.89 cm) long
Weight	0.008 pound (4 grams)
Lifespan	Approximately 10 years
Sexual Dimorphism	Present: Males have longer interopercular spines and a bigger head than the females
Probable Diseases	Bacterial and fungal infections
Approximate Price (How much is it for)	$150 – 300 (quite expensive due to its rare availability)

Tank Setup & Care Sheet Details

Care Level	Expert
Tank Size	30 gallons (113.5 liters) for a single fish; 50 – 60 gallons (189.2 – 227.1 liters) for pairs

Water Parameters

pH Level	6 – 7.5
Temperature	75 – 86°F (24 – 30°C)
Hardness	5 – 15 dGH
Aquarium  Water Flow	High

Tank Ambience

Lighting	Subdued
Substrate Type	Small, smooth pebbles and gravels, cobbles, as well as boulders for forming crevices and caves
Tank Mates	Compatible with: Characins, guppies, red cherry shrimp, betta, and other zebra plecos (of the opposite sex) Incompatible with: Discus, corydoras, and same-sex zebra plecos
Suitable Position in the Tank	Bottom

Feeding

Diet	High protein diet comprising invertebrates like chironomid-larva, bloodworm (fresh, live, and frozen), lobster eggs, prawn, brine shrimp, tetra prima, algae wafers (though not algae eaters), and sinking pellets
Frequency	2 – 3 times a day

Important Things to Know For Fish Keepers

• Novice owners could find the zebra pleco a little hard to keep since it always needs clean water and a fast-moving current to survive.  Checking the water movement on a regular basis, performing anti-bacterial treatments, and changing 20% of the water after every few weeks are the essential to-dos for fish keepers.

FAQs