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Catfish
/ Loricariidae / 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
S: bottom
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.
Recent articles about fish
Overfishing may hurt Amazon forest trees
(2/5/2008) Overfishing is reducing the effectiveness of seed dispersal by fish in the Brazilian Pantanal, reports Nature. The research suggests that fishing practices can affect forest health.
Scientists find fish that literally lives in trees
(10/17/2007) Scientists have found a fish that literally lives in trees, according to research published in The American Naturalist and highlighted in New Scientist Magazine.
Piranhas originated when Amazon was flooded by seawater
(12/4/2007) South America's piranha family of fish -- notorious as eaters of flesh -- can be traced back to a single ancestor which dispersed when the Amazon was flooded by seawater some five million years ago, report researchers from the Institut de Recherche Pour le Developpement (IRD). Today piranhas are exclusively freshwater fish found from the Orinoco River basin in Venezuela to the Parana in Argentina.
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