Zebra Pleco

Hypancistrus zebra

One of the most coveted and expensive aquarium fish, with bold black-and-white zebra striping. Endangered in the wild, captive-bred specimens are available.

Care Parameters

Adult size

6 cm

Min tank

60 L

Temperature

26–30°C

6.5–7.5

5–12 dGH

Diet

Herbivore

Temperament

Peaceful

Water zone

Bottom

Difficulty

Advanced

Schooling

Solitary or pairs.

Suitable Plants

Peacock Moss

A delicate aquarium moss with fine, feathery fronds that create a soft, flowing carpet. Attaches easily to hardscape and tolerates a wide range of conditions.

Ambulia

Care profile for Ambulia: medium light, low CO₂, beginner difficulty.

Red Root Floater

A floating plant that develops striking red roots and reddish leaf undersides under high light. Provides shade and natural algae control. Breeding ground for fry.

Hornwort

Care profile for Hornwort: low light, none CO₂, beginner difficulty.

Red Rotala

Red stem plant. Turns red under high light with CO₂.

Compatible Invertebrates

Bamboo Shrimp

Also called the wood shrimp, it stations itself in the current and fans microscopic food from the water with its four feathery feeding fans. Needs brisk flow (8-10x tank volume per hour) and regular feedings of powdered or micro food, or it will slowly starve in a clean tank.

Babaulti Shrimp

A small, colorful freshwater shrimp available in green, brown, and striped morphs. Hardy and easy to breed, making them excellent additions to planted community tanks.

Great Ramshorn Snail

The large, coiled ramshorn that doubles as a cleanup crew and a living water-quality alarm. Every individual is hermaphroditic, so any pair can breed - populations explode only when overfeeding creates a feast, and they shrink right back once feeding is cut back.

Blue Tiger Shrimp

A selectively bred freshwater shrimp with striking deep blue coloration. Requires soft, acidic water and careful parameter maintenance. Prized by shrimp collectors.