Species profile
L333 King Tiger Pleco
Hypancistrus seideli
Semi aggressive
Moderate care
150 L minimum aquarium
12–15 cm adult size
Bottom
Can be kept singly
About this species
General notes for hobby use.
Rio Xingu Hypancistrus requiring high oxygen, warm clean water and abundant caves. Adult males are territorial around breeding shelters.
Water parameters
Suggested general range for long-term care.
Temperature
25–29 °C
pH
5.8–7
GH
Not yet documented
KH
Up to 12 dKH
Flow preference
High
Data confidence
Verified
Behaviour
General behaviour traits used by TanksConnected compatibility checks.
Minimum group size
Can be kept singly
Tank zone
Bottom
Territory level
Moderate
Predation risk
Shrimp fry
Bioload factor
1.6
Not a shoaling fish. Several can be maintained only with enough footprint and more suitable caves than there are territorial males.
Compatibility flags
Quick cautions for common tank-planning issues.
Fin nipper
No
Plant safe
Yes
Shrimp safe
No / caution
Snail safe
Yes
Cave breeder
Yes
Digs substrate
No
Jump risk
Yes
Natural history & care
Research-backed context for long-term aquarium care.
Lifespan
Not yet documented
Diet type
Omnivore
Minimum aquarium volume
150 L
Minimum footprint
90 × 45 cm
Accepted scientific name
Hypancistrus seideli
Alternative names
L333, Hypancistrus sp. L333, King Tiger Pleco, Golden King Tiger Plec, Maze Zebra Plec
Native range
Rio Xingu basin, Brazil.
Natural habitat
Warm, highly oxygenated rocky Xingu habitats with crevices/caves and appreciable current.
Diet & feeding
Protein-oriented omnivore/carnivore relative to wood-grazing plecos; provide quality sinking foods, invertebrate-based fare and some plant material.
Breeding & sexing
Research-backed guidance for identifying sexes and reproductive behaviour.
Sexing
Mature males develop stronger odontodes on cheeks/body/pectoral areas and a more angular build; females are generally fuller.
Breeding
Cave spawner; male guards the clutch and developing fry within a chosen cave.