Zebra pleco

Zebra Pleco ( Hypancistrus zebra)

The zebra catfish ( Hypancistrus zebra) is a freshwater ornamental fish of the genus Hypancistrus. It was first discovered in the late 1980s at the Rio Xingu in Brazil.

Since early 2005, was banned by the Brazilian government fishing, breeding and export of zebra catfish because the stocks in the Rio Xingu are highly endangered. The planned construction of the hydroelectric plant of Belo Monte, the entire habitat of the zebra catfish would dry up.

This fish can an age of about 15 years and a size of about 8-10 cm, males over ten years, sometimes 12 cm reach.

The gender differences are difficult to detect and only after two or three years of life. The male usually gets a wider head portion and therefore looks a little bigger. Furthermore, the Hautzähnchen ( odontodes ) on the gill-covers of the males are significantly longer than in the females. At about six males, only a female.

Hunting and

The L 46 is a predominantly nocturnal both also active caveman days and loves water at a temperature of about 28 degrees and a good filtration with plenty of water movement. A good supply of oxygen is necessary. The ground should be equipped with fine gravel or sand, 2 mm in diameter or smaller. Every adult male zebra catfish must get absolutely put your own shallow cave available, females and juveniles like to sit in splitting rocks or roots. The tank must hold for 2 to 3 animals at least 80 liters of water. The L46 should not be associated with loaches, as they could cause by their sharp thorns eye injuries. The food should always be given in fine denomination. Fine granules, flake food and frozen food are minced very gladly accepted.