Pleco - Chocolate Zebra L270

Classification:
Order: Siluriformes
Family: Loricariidae

Distribution:
Rio Curua-Una, one of the smaller rivers between the Rio Tapajos and the Rio Xingu, which drains the southern Amazon. Amazon, Lower Amazon, Curua Una

Maximum Standard Length:
100mm.

Aquarium Size:
An aquarium with base dimensions of 120 x 45cm should be the smallest considered.

Maintenance:
Not difficult to maintain under the correct conditions; we strongly recommend keeping it in a tank designed to simulate a flowing stream with a substrate of variably-sized rocks, sand, fine gravel, and some water-worn boulders. This can be further furnished with driftwood branches, terracotta pipes, plant pots, etc., arranged to form a network of nooks, crannies, and shaded spots, thus providing broken lines of sight. Like many fishes that naturally inhabit running water it’s intolerant to accumulation of organic pollutants and requires spotless water in order to thrive. Weekly water changes of 30-50% tank volume should also be considered routine. Though torrent-like conditions are unnecessary it does best if there is a high proportion of dissolved oxygen and some water movement in the tank meaning power filter(s), additional powerhead(s), or airstone(s) should be employed as necessary.

Water Conditions:
Temperature: 26 – 30 °C
pH: 5.5 – 7.5
Hardness: 36 – 268 ppm

Diet:
Wild specimens are likely omnivorous but with a preference for aquatic invertebrates and suchlike. In the aquarium it does best when offered a varied diet comprising sinking dried foods, frozen Daphnia, mosquito larvae, chironomid larvae (bloodworm), and prawn/shrimp, for, example, while some raw potato and other vegetables might also be accepted. Home-made foods using a mixture of natural ingredients bound with gelatin are very useful since they can be tailored to contain fresh vegetables, Spirulina or similar plus meatier ingredients.

Behaviour and Compatibility:
A generally peaceful species which can be maintained in a well-chosen community alongside other quiet fishes. It should not be maintained alongside other Hypancistrus spp. in order to prevent hybridisation, nor will it compete well with excessively territorial or otherwise aggressive tank mates.

Sexual Dimorphism:
Adult males possess a broader head plus more extensive odontodes on the leading pectoral-fin rays and interopercular region than females, while older males may darken in colour somewhat. Males are also more slender and less stocky than females, a difference which is easily observed when the fish are viewed from above.

Reproduction:
Cave-spawner with the male responsible for brood care. It’s been bred regularly in aquaria and in a set-up with sufficient cover fry can be reared alongside the adults.