L046 Zebra Pleco (1.5”)

Scientific Name: Hypancistrus zebra (L046)

Maximum Size and Lifespan:
The zebra pleco reaches about 3–4 inches in length when fully grown. With proper care, it can live for 10–15 years, sometimes longer in optimal conditions.

Recommended Aquarium Size, Water Changes, and Care:
A minimum of 20-30 gallons is recommended for a small group, as they thrive best when kept together. The tank should feature plenty of caves, rockwork, and driftwood to mimic their natural riverbed habitat. A sand or fine gravel substrate is best. Good filtration and strong water flow are essential since this species comes from highly oxygenated waters. Water parameters should be stable:

• Temperature: 78–84°F (26–30°C)

• pH: 6.0–7.5

Weekly water changes of 25–40% 

Tankmates:
The zebra pleco is peaceful and somewhat shy. It does best with other small, non-aggressive species. Ideal tankmates include small tetras, rasboras, dwarf corydoras, or other peaceful plecos. Ram Cichlids and Apistos work good with them as well.

Avoid aggressive fish, large predatory species, or overly active tankmates that may outcompete them for food.

Diet:
Hypancistrus zebra is an omnivore with a preference for protein-rich foods. Their diet should include high-quality sinking carnivore pellets, frozen or live foods such as bloodworms, brine shrimp, daphnia, and chopped earthworms. They also accept some vegetable matter (blanched zucchini or spirulina-based foods), but protein is more important in their diet compared to many other plecos.

Overview:
The zebra pleco is one of the most striking and sought-after freshwater aquarium fish, known for its bold black and white striping. Though not a large or aggressive fish, it requires very specific water conditions and is more sensitive than many common plecos. Its rarity and beauty have made it a prized species for advanced aquarists.

Natural Environment:
This species is endemic to the Xingu River in Brazil, a clearwater tributary of the Amazon. It inhabits fast-flowing, highly oxygenated waters with rocky substrates, where it hides in crevices and feeds at night. Habitat loss due to dam construction has threatened wild populations, making captive-bred specimens the main source in the aquarium trade.

Breeding:
Breeding zebra plecos is possible in captivity and is the main way they are maintained in the hobby. They are cave spawners: the male guards a chosen cave, and the female lays eggs inside. After fertilization, the male continues to guard and fan the eggs until they hatch, usually within 7–10 days. Fry become free-swimming after absorbing their yolk sacs and should be fed on newly hatched brine shrimp and finely crushed protein foods. Providing multiple caves and stable, clean water is key to encouraging breeding behavior.