Breeding Zebra Pleco (Hypancistrus Zebra) In The Aquarium

Zebra Pleco, Imperial Pleco, L046 Pleco, Zebra Peckoltia

Occurrence

This is a freshwater species, endemic to the Rio Xingu and its tributaries in Brazil. The habitats it occupies are characterized by highly oxygenated water and sandy-rocky substrates. The zebra pleco prefers to stay in the cracks between rocks and stones, which are of volcanic origin.

Appearance

The fish is characterized by its unique body coloration: on a white background, there are distinct, black stripes, which are on the fins, body, and even, it would seem, on the eyes. Additional, bluish stripes can be observed on the dorsal fin. A sexually mature male can be identified by the shape of the genital area on the underside - for him, it has the shape of the letter V, for the female, the letter U. He also has a wider head when viewed from above and is generally larger than the female, but sleeker - especially in the ventral regions. Additionally, on the sides of his head and on the outer rays of the pectoral fins, there are dense spikes resembling tiny hairs (interopercular odontode). In females, they can also appear, but they are not as long and dense. In the fishkeeping hobby, this species is also referred to as L-46 or L98.

Temperament

This is a peaceful and initially somewhat shy species. At the same time, males are more active and territorial towards other bottom-feeding fish, especially those of the same species or those with a similar body shape. A hierarchy always establishes among males in a herd. Zebra plecos can be kept in a community aquarium with angelfish, calmer dwarf cichlids species, cherry barbs, gouramis, or harlequin rasboras. In an aquarium with fish larger than them, zebra plecos mostly stay in hiding. They are mainly nocturnal and do not feed on algae - they are typical meat and scavenger eaters. A change in body color to pinkish indicates the fish's stress or irritation. Fish only occupy the lower parts of the water.

Aquarium

This species is most comfortable in aquariums that replicate their natural habitats. The tank should contain many hiding places among rocks and stones or roots, especially in the bottom zone. The crevices should be set up so that the fish cannot get stuck or hurt. The substrate should be soft and fine-grained, preferably sandy, the water well-oxygenated with moderate flow, the lighting not overly intense. Plants are not required but are a nice addition (e.g., Anubias, Java moss, Bleher's sword, Canadian pondweed, American hornwort). Regular water changes and effective filtration are necessary.

Reproduction

This is an oviparous species that reproduces in the wild during the rainy season. The fish will breed freely in a general tank if suitable conditions are created. However, they should be bred in a separate tank with well-oxygenated, crystal clear, and soft water, with a slightly acidic pH (6.2-6.5), and a temperature of 28-33°C. This aquarium should contain many hiding places in the form of caves, rock shelves, or ceramic/PVC tubes, and a sandy substrate. It is important that these hiding places are shielded from direct light and located near water flow. Before spawning, we feed the fish abundantly with live food, and at the beginning of summer (about a month before expected spawning) we lower the water temperature to 28°C, changing part of the water three times a week, then after a month, we increase the temperature to the upper range. Adding leaves or an almond tree brew to the water can also induce spawning in these fish. We transfer a group of fish or a dominant male and 2-3 females to the breeding tank. The male chooses the place where spawning will occur, defends it from potential competitors (other males), and allows the female ready to spawn into the interior (the unready male chases the female away from the interior with his tail). The introduced female is held by the male for several days until all the eggs (10-15) are laid. After this period, she can leave the hiding place, and the male takes full care of the eggs. He oxygenates them with his tail and fins, removes unfertilized grains, and protects them from intruders. It happens that a stressed male eats the eggs. Larvae hatch after about a week, but this time depends on the water temperature - the higher it is, the faster. At this point, you can remove the male or transfer the larvae to a new location. Fry freely swims in search of food after another 7-10 days and usually stays near the hiding place. It can be fed with Artemia nauplii and/or ground dry food 4-5 times a day. The young grow slowly.