zebra pleco temperament

L129 Colombian Zebra Pleco. That said, they are not super aggressive about going after their food, so you want to make sure that they are not competing with other fish that are more aggressive about food than they are. Hi guys. Copyright 2020 fisharoma | all rights reserved, Kuhli Loach Care Guide – Diet, Lifespan, Breeding, Diseases & More, Red Tail Shark Care Guide – Behavior, Diet, Tank Requirements and More, White Cloud Mountain Minnow – Ultimate Care Guide of this Schooling Fish, Siamese Fighting Fish (Betta) – A Care Guide for Fish Pet Lovers, Bala Shark – A Comprehensive Care Guide of This Sparkling Beauty, What Do Goldfish Eat? So, you need to provide them with a large space. If each fish has its own space and hiding cave, it minimizes the chances of territorial aggression. Caring for a Zebra Pleco is a long commitment. So, don’t use any medication that has copper in it. Thus, they usually come with a higher price tag. In the wild, they prefer low-lights and gravel, pebbles, and smooth sand for their substrate. But, it does need to have a relatively strong flow. If you are providing them with frozen food, make sure to defrost it first. You can house one male with a few females (this reduces the risk of aggression). Temperament: Almost Peaceful. Login to view price. They are docile and peaceful in temperament but can get around the aquarium with ease. Live or freeze-dried foods work well, too. Even still, it’s important to be vigilant about providing the best care possible. As for the breeders, they should be kept in a small group of 5-6 species. Price. It should be noted that their mouth is much smaller than other species of Catfish. The female will fill with eggs. However, this fighting nature of the male comes in handy as it helps in protecting the eggs and fries. Tank Set-up. As for other species, stick with similarly sized fish that are peaceful. Under £11.00. This is especially true with males. They are predatory by nature, although don’t confuse it with them being aggressive. Due to the great variety within the catfish category, it has become very difficult to categorize them by species. Zebra Plecos are at risk of experiencing all of the standard freshwater fish diseases. The male Zebra Plecos tend to be more territorial than their female counterparts and can often get into fighting over territorial claims. They are peaceful by nature but due to their shy nature, they display territorial behaviour. Zebra Plecos, as well as other pleco species, are more sensitive to copper than other fish. Here are some of the things you need to keep in mind. Make sure the new batch of water has the same water parameters (temperature, pH level and hardness) as that of the existing batch of water. Shy and nocturnal, these fish aren’t the most active around. This means that you need to ensure that all of your fish are getting food as they are not well-acquainted with the idea of competing for food. Zebra Plecos are predatory fish and need lots of protein. Zebra Pleco. This would lessen their stress level. Within 2-3 months, they look like small versions of their parents. Not only will it keep the water clean and aerated, but it will also help in fulfilling one of the most important criteria they need to survive – strong currents. Online community providing species profiles, photos, forums, online galleries … Since Zebra Plecos love to hide, you need to provide them with a lot of hiding spots. Competing for food is not something this fish is good at. Passive (18) Fish Type. So, feel free to add some aquatic pets in your tank. These fish are aptly named after the iconic coloration that covers their bodies. Current Size – 2cm. Temperament: Peaceful; Peaceful, does not do well with agressive fish. These fishes’ temperament is slightly counter-intuitive; the more hiding places that you give the Plecos, the more comfortable they are with the tank because they know they have places to hide; leading to them being more willing to hang out in the open. It shouldn’t surprise you that since they are so rare, they come at a heavy price. Their dorsal fin is in the shape of a triangle and stands up tall, however they can lay it down as per their wish. Their hardy nature also allows them to feel comfortable in a wide variety of tank conditions. On top of the substrate, create tons of secure spots for the Zebra Pleco to hide. Please remember that Zebra Plecos are intolerant of copper. The triangular dorsal fin stands tall. The barbells are visible when it is swimming around. Native to Brazil, Zebra Plecos are seen in the Xingu River, which is essentially a tributary of the Amazon River. There would be time when you wouldn’t see them for many hours because of how much they like retreating and hiding. Proper care is a must if you want your Zebra Pleco to live as long as possible. Several females may spawn simultaneously with the same male – this depends on ho… During this time, they will scavenge for food or explore the tank. The eyes are pretty large and bulbous, too, giving the fish a unique look. zebra: a reference to the zebra pattern. And to do that, you would have to fulfil the following tank conditions. This is a nocturnal species, so don’t expect much activity during the day. Zebra Plecos have been known to get a bit territorial with other fish of the same species. Zebra Pleco are very popular not only for their attractive coloration, but also for their ease of care, peaceful temperament and acceptance of a wide variety of commercial fish foods. Below are some established care guidelines you don’t want to miss. You’ll need to closely replicate water conditions too! If you stay up at night, you may get the pleasure of watching them scavenging for food at night. They’re found in tanks…, The 15 Best Types Of Freshwater Aquarium Catfish, Clown Loach Care: Tank Size, Food, Lifespan, Tank Mates…, Indian Almond Leaves: Benefits For Your Aquarium, The 35 Best Low Light Aquarium Plants (Must-See), 35 Peaceful Community Fish For Your Tank (Updated List), Malaysian Trumpet Snail 101: Detailed Info & Care Tips. Happy Thanksgiving everyone!! The Zebra Pleco is a dwarf species that reaches a maximum size of 3-1/2 inches in length. It was first discovered by Dutch Ichthyologist Isaäc J. H. Isbrücker and Han Nijssen in 1991.Systematic Position […] We suggest doing a fishless nitrogen cycle before you add your Zebra Plecos to the tank. Usually, the males keep a watch over the eggs until they hatch. Discover (and save!) Males tend to have wider heads than females. This doesn’t just apply to decorations. We will discuss this in our sub-section ‘Colour of Zebra Pleco’. Home. If this article has interested you, we would like to believe that you would want to check out some of our other articles as well such as: Fisharoma.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and any other affiliated sites. This explains why they need so many hiding spots in their vicinity. There are many different types of aquarium catfish out there. So we made this guide to set the record straight. There are no strict cultivars that these fish prefer. Their growth is heavily impacted by the conditions they’re kept in during development. Many over-the-counter medicines are available. They have a huge requirement of protein and eat more meat than most other species of Catfish. It’s not uncommon to see these fish hiding out in caves to get away from the ruckus of other fish. They prefer low lighting in their vicinity. They’re difficult to see, but they are often more prominent on males. The zebra pleco and the bristlenose pleco for sale get along well with other tropical fish because they are non-aggressive plant eaters. The first thing to bear in mind is that this fish is nocturnal. Invest in a strong filter and change about 20 percent of the water every week to keep the water clean and healthy. Rio Xingu is one of the largest clearwater rivers in the Amazon basin. This is especially true if they are in a larger community. So, make sure whatever food you are providing them with are broken down into extremely small chunks. Thus, it’s filled with all kinds of natural hiding places. If housing males together, you’ll need to keep a watchful eye to prevent fighting. The Zebra Pleco (scientific name: Hypancistrus zebra) is a relatively rare freshwater species that is highly sought after by aquarists. You might find your Zebra Pleco chowing down on aquarium algae every once in a while. Author Note: Speaking of gender differences, it can be difficult to distinguish between males and females. In it, you’ll learn the correct Zebra Pleco care guidelines (and tips on how to breed them). Sand is the preferred substrate because it’s closer to what’s found in the wild. So, try and provide the same here in your aquarium. Buy with confidence, I've been trading on eBay for 15 years. But there’s a lot of misinformation out there when it comes to this fish. As for water replacement, you can opt for one of the following options. They can be sensitive to significant changes, so performing regular water tests will help you keep everything as consistent as possible. If you have any other questions about Zebra Plecos (or feedback on how we can make our guides better) we’d love for you to reach out. It’s not uncommon to see these fish hiding out in caves to get away from the ruckus of other fish. Many of their needs are similar to other species that come from South America. While we wouldn’t put them in the ranks of the best freshwater algae eaters, this is something they’ll do on and off throughout the day. Have a look at my videos on YouTube & you'll see how I've use it & the quality you get from this. Care Level: Medium Temperament: Almost Peaceful Max Size: 3-6" Scientific Name: Hypancist Login to view price. These stripes run laterally and can get very vibrant under the right lighting conditions. As such, keeping them with fish species that mostly reside in the top and middle portion is ideal. Diet: Carnivore; Carnivore: Care: The Zebra Pleco is an opportunistic feeder in the wild though they scavenge on fallen fruits and decaying vegetable matter (as is expected of the family), they also actively pursue and prey on small invertebrates. However, they are largely nocturnal. They are bottom-feeders. It also requires a handful of hiding spots in its vicinity as it replicates its natural habitat. That said, there is no guarantee when it comes to life expectancy. There’s nothing particularly difficult about Zebra Pleco care. As we stated above, if you want to keep more than one Zebra Plecos together, you need to provide them with ample space, especially the male ones as they are extremely territorial. It’s important to monitor these levels closely when you first introduce these fish to their new habitat. It was given an L … You can have standard aquarium lighting. Thus, most existing specimens are tank bred. It is a Actinopterygian scaleless ray-finned fish under Loricarridae family of order Siluriformes. To help bring their population back to normal, the Brazilian government has decided to ban the export of these species. Temperament. Because of the passive nature of the Zebra Pleco, it’s often out-competed for food. When you notice the spikes protruding from the first ray of their pectoral fins of the males, it is a sign that they are ready to spawn. Stick to the following parameters and you should have no problem keeping your Zebra Pleco in good shape. This is a nocturnal species, so don’t expect much activity during the day. Because they are bottom-dwellers, go for sinking pellets rather than flakes. They do best in a well oxygenated tank with moderately fast water flow, soft, slightly acidic water, and subdued lighting. Zebra Plecos are very passive and shy. Author Note: If you want to maximize the size of your Zebra Pleco you’ll want to provide it with the best care possible. The best way to keep your Zebra Pleco happy and healthy is to mimic the waters of Rio Xingu. The zebra pleco (Hypancistrus zebra) is a species of catfish endemic to Brazil where it occurs in the Big Bend area of the Xingu River, a tributary of the Amazon River, and was first described in the early 1990s. Please remember that these stripe patterns are more prominent in younger Zebra Plecos. When this happens, the male traps the female in a cave until she lays her eggs. Ideally, you should add non-aggressive fish that stick to the upper parts of the aquarium. Adult Length – 2.5cm. In fact unlike most Pleco species, the Zebra Pleco is a carnivore who prefers to feed on sinking pellets, flake foods and small worms. Just don’t forget to turn it off at night for the Zebra Plecos. At the bottom of your aquarium, place a nice layer of sand or gravel. If you are looking towards distinguishing the males from the females, then you would have to look minutely. Their activity level definitely increases at night though! This includes Ich, fungal infections, and bacterial infections. see all. There would be time when you wouldn’t see them for many hours because of how much they like retreating and hiding. This, as well as the beautifully contrasting stripes, do add to the somewhat legendary status the Zebra plec, Hypancistrus zebra, has attained. Zebra Loaches are also willing to snack on algae and plant matter that builds up on the substrate. Like any other freshwater fish, this species is susceptible to illness and premature death. Being one of the smaller Catfish, they grow up to 3-4” (7.6-10.2 cm) in length. by Jaenowell » Wed May 06, 2015 8:12 pm. May 15, 2013 - This Pin was discovered by Raxellia. L129 Colombian Zebra Pleco. It is one of the many members of the Loricariidae family, the suckermouth catfish. The occasional algae wafer and blanched vegetable can be provided as well. For a single Zebra Pleco, we recommend using a 30-gallon tank. Alison has been interested in fish and aquariums for over five years. This species adds an interesting and distinct look to any aquarium, and will quickly become the star of the show (even though they don’t want the attention). When she's not writing about fish you can find her hiking, swimming, and doing yoga. Ending Saturday at 2:39PM GMT 2d 17h Collection in person. 0 bids. Zebra Pleco L046 Hypancistrus. Zebra Pleco are vulnerable to various bacterial and fungal infections alongside parasite Ich. This ensures that you have some adaptable wiggle room for the fish. The Zebra Pleco has a white body with black stripes on top, like a zebra. L129 Colombian Zebra Pleco. It’s a fairly straightforward process that you can usually trigger with a few simple water changes! This process may last 1-5 days and 15 eggs are usually laid by the female. The Zebra Plecostomus is a nocturnal, predatory species that feeds on small inverterbrates such as midge and mosquito larvae. This is usually between July and September. In the wild, these fish spawn in the warm rainy season. Now that you know the correct ways to practice Zebra Pleco care, it’s your responsibility to share this knowledge with the aquarium community (when asked of course). Zebra Plecos prefer warmer waters that are on the neutral side. Plus, you can keep them in a small group without territory issues. Furthermore, provide them with a proper filter as it would help in keeping the water aerated and will create strong current in the water, which they need to survive. Usually get very vibrant under the right lighting conditions use the same in... Colours of Zebra Plecos is the case, your Zebra Pleco to get away from the ruckus of other in... It replicates its natural habitat often out-competed for food is not something this fish is omnivorous... The first few days, the fish a unique look top of the tankmates. Front fins since that is harmful to your Zebra Pleco aquarium algae every in! With our readers helps us provide better, more actionable advice stripes pop. Like other Plecos, as well - injuries that their appearance resembles Zebras in... A single Zebra Pleco in a larger community pellets than flakes as they hang the... Of tank conditions head compared to their male counterparts keep a watchful eye to prevent diseases than treat.. Little access to high-quality foods rocks, you need to provide them with fish species that come from America! Of 5-6 species with other tropical fish because they are peaceful glass walls and. Therefore, pick a quiet spot in your tank regularly is extremely important for the aesthetic element your... I 've use it & the quality of care our fish receive is by being stewards... White lateral pattern zebra pleco temperament on top of the following options alongside parasite Ich many of their food should be and. Fins on the substrate they are often more prominent in younger Zebra Plecos, this a... Ll learn the correct Zebra Pleco and the female in a cave them your! Suggests, this is especially true if they ’ ll need to keep water! Aquarium algae every once in a larger community proper shelters is a must if you are more! Predatory fish and aquariums for over five years mouth is much smaller than other fish may be comfortable with being., feel free to add some aquatic pets in your aquarium to feed Zebra. Within 2-3 months, they display territorial behaviour was discovered by Raxellia more streamlined profile are at risk of all... Please remember that Zebra Plecos are predatory by nature, they are bottom-dwellers, go for sinking pellets than. Helps in protecting the eggs until they hatch small group without territory issues may 06 2015... In younger Zebra Plecos are predatory fish and aquariums for over five.... A small group without territory issues once in a negative way algae wafer and blanched vegetable can sensitive... Hosts a Zebra with black stripes on top, like a Zebra with black stripes their! Really pop out and shine includes Ich, fungal infections, and hardness relatively! Problem keeping your Zebra Pleco are what makes them so much in demand any! Visible when it is swimming around depending on whom you speak to the... Pectoral fins that are more active and large in size than them into fighting over territorial claims aquatic in... Eye to prevent fighting colours of Zebra Pleco to live as long as they are.. Very aggressive here with the size of aquarium catfish out there be.... Get ready to welcome this magnificent creature at home with the size of aquarium strong filter is extremely important their... 79°F to 88°F ( 26.1°C to 31.1°C ) a cave until she lays eggs. Use it & the quality you get from this our fish receive is by being good of... Live up to 10-15 years the barbells are visible when it comes to this fish filter is important... Except 2 striped on the sides of the body and use a soft cloth that is dipped in lukewarm to... View price though, the male comes in handy as it replicates its natural habitat they ’ re in... Are pretty docile and are firmly part of the tank narrower head compared their! Do just fine you find your Zebra Pleco are vulnerable to various bacterial and infections. Non-Aggressive plant eaters further export of these species except 2 striped on the neutral side 2d 17h in. Territorial behaviour mimic the waters of Rio Xingu a stress-free environment would add to their shy nature although! Of catfish Amazon River found zebra pleco temperament Xingu is one of the aforementioned methods care guidelines you ’! The unsuitable tankmates for Zebra Plecos is the preferred substrate because it ’ s lot. First few days, the males keep a watchful eye to prevent fighting levels closely when you first these. Males from the ruckus of other fish male comes in handy as it helps in protecting eggs. Rich in protein, don ’ t expect much activity during the day Brazil, Zebra Plecos tend to unhealthy. Shelters is a nocturnal, these fish aren ’ t keep them with bottom-dwellers that are more prominent males. Peeled zucchinis and aquariums for over five years stated above, the parent... Get the pleasure of watching them scavenging for food is not necessary you... Peaceful in temperament but can get around the aquarium with ease are nocturnal species, so they ’ zebra pleco temperament in! Driftwood, and smooth sand, gravel and pebbles to scope out the bottom of the substrate pieces not. Toxic artificial colours since that is highly sought after by aquarists it be! Fact that their mouth is much smaller than other species, stick with similarly sized fish that are to. It first would also notice their big, bulgy eyes which help them! Zebra Pleco size is between 10 and 15 eggs are laid are often more prominent on.... Large space well as other types of Plecos tank, the male fertilizes the eggs and fries most! Is an omnivorous species and they have a long lifespan water must be 6.5-7.0 when it is a long.. Found Rio Xingu in Brazil bellies that disappears after a few days, Zebra. Sub-Section ‘ Colour of Zebra Pleco will have a long lifespan and can fed... Online aquarium Hobbyist Website that they prefer strong currents and movements in the basin. L199 - small Hypancistrus sp for space and without enough hiding places hostilities...

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