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Freshwater fishL-46 Zebra Pleco
L-46 Zebra Pleco
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The L-46 zebra pleco was once very common in the aquarium trade, but after much of its native habitat was affected by dams in Brazil, export of wild L-46 plecos from Brazil was banned.
The black and white contrast is what makes this pleco so remarkable. The L-46 zebra pleco is nocturnal and will try to hide during the day. AquariumFish.com sells legal captive-bred specimens. These are generally small and grow slowly. These fish require absolutely clean water, so please know what you are doing before you make a purchase. People have been known to buy one, put it in the aquarium and never see it again. Lost in the filter?
Quick Facts
| Scientific Name | Hypancistrus zebra (L-046) |
| Origin | Rio Xingu, Brazil (captive-bred) |
| Care Level | Moderate (needs clean, warm, oxygen-rich water) |
| Temperament | Peaceful (shy; territorial with other plecos) |
| Adult Size | Up to 3½–4" |
| Lifespan | 10–15+ years |
| Diet | Omnivore (meaty sinking foods) |
| Water Temperature | 79–86°F |
| pH | 6.0–7.5 |
| Group Size | Single, or several with a cave each |
| Shipping Size | Approx. 1–1½" |
Care Guide
Tank setup: These plecos come from warm, fast, clear rivers. Give them a tank with strong current, high oxygen, very clean water, rocky caves (or pleco caves) and a sand or smooth gravel bottom.
Feeding: Feed meaty sinking foods like quality carnivore pellets, ideally in the evening when they are most active. They also enjoy frozen foods like bloodworms and brine shrimp.
Tankmates: They do well with peaceful fish that like warm water, such as tetras, rasboras, discus and dwarf cichlids. Avoid boisterous tankmates that outcompete them for food, and give each pleco its own cave.
Good to know: These plecos are nocturnal and shy; a cave and dim lighting help them feel secure. Many are wild-caught and slow-growing.
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