L129 COLOMBIAN ZEBRA PLECO

A strikingly patterned, small growing species of Hypancistrus from the warm, acidic water of the Orinoco and its tributaries, the L129 Colombian or False Zebra Pleco is an ideal pleco for the small to medium community aquarium. Although normally shy at first, they will become more comfortable spending time out in the open over time and especially when food is added to the tank

This pleco can be aggressive toward other bottom dwellers, so it is recommended not to keep it with other bottom dwelling catfish such as Corydoras catfish or other Plecostomus. The Columbian Zebra will prefer a tank with many hiding places, driftwood, and subdued lighting. While often thought of as an omnivore, this fish leans toward the carnivorous side, so feeding a varied diet of meaty food as well as vegetable-based food will keep this fish in proper health.

They are referred to as “armored catfishes” because they have large bony plates that cover their body.  In the wild they can reach 60 cm long.  One of the most unique things about them is their mouth, which makes them so effective at cleaning algae.

Behaviour

This fish is nocturnal, so during the daytime you won’t see much activity and can appear timid and hiding amongst the plants and any They are shy, nocturnal fish, generally coming out at night.  It is known for them to be territorial towards their own species as well as a small retreat they may take as their territory, hence the reason caves are needed, especially if more than one zebra pleco is kept in a single aquarium.

Tank Conditions 

Rocks and decorations should be placed in the aquarium in a way that caves and hiding places are created for them, so that they can take refuge when necessary. It is believed the more hiding places there are the more they will come out into the open, knowing they will be able to hide whenever they want.

Fine sand or river gravel should be used for substrate. Rocks should be placed in the aquarium to imitate its natural environment as well as driftwood.

The most important thing is maintaining a strong water current and keeping it well filtered. For this, you should use good quality canister filters.

Compatibility

Competing for food is not something this fish is good at. If other bottom dwellers are kept along with them, be sure that they aren’t of the aggressive nature, gobbling the food without the zebra pleco getting any of it.

Feeding

Competing for food is not something this fish is good at. If other bottom dwellers are kept along with them, be sure that they aren’t of the aggressive nature, gobbling the food without the zebra pleco getting any of it.

When first introduced to the aquarium it is essential to make sure that the zebra pleco is getting food. Due to their shy nature they may be too shy to come out into the open to eat. Feeding them in quiet spots where they don’t feel threatened is advised. As this is an expensive fish, going one step further in its care taking is not a bad idea.

They are omnivores. Live and frozen foods, such as blood worms and brine shrimp can be fed, however live foods are more appreciated. Foods specific for bottom feeders will help.  Crushed peas with the skin removed, corgette, also known as zucchini or baby marrow are good for the veggies part of the diet. Tetra Prima, Tetra Pleco and algae wafers too, can be fed.

Since they are nocturnal, it’s best to feed them during the evening just before you turn the lights in the tank off.

Care 

They are fairly hardy fish so the water parameters aren’t as critical to maintaining when compared to other fish. As far as diseases go, they are no more susceptible to the typical ich, fin rot, fungus than other tropical fish.

See Fish Disease Diagnosis and Treatment at Rebel Pets for help with diagnosing and treating diseases.