Species profile
L046 Zebra Pleco
Hypancistrus zebra
Peaceful
Hard care
120 L minimum aquarium
6–10 cm adult size
Bottom
Can be kept singly
About this species
General notes for hobby use.
High-temperature, high-oxygen specialist loricariid; 80 L legacy minimum was raised to give a safer thermal/oxygen buffer.
Water parameters
Suggested general range for long-term care.
Temperature
26–30 °C
pH
6–7.5
GH
2–10 dGH
KH
Not yet documented
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
None
Bioload factor
1.5
Generally peaceful but adult males defend caves; provide more caves than fish.
Compatibility flags
Quick cautions for common tank-planning issues.
Fin nipper
No
Plant safe
Yes
Shrimp safe
Yes
Snail safe
Yes
Cave breeder
Yes
Digs substrate
No
Jump risk
Low
Natural history & care
Research-backed context for long-term aquarium care.
Lifespan
Not yet documented
Diet type
Carnivore
Minimum aquarium volume
120 L
Minimum footprint
80 × 40 cm
Accepted scientific name
Hypancistrus zebra
Alternative names
Zebra Pleco, L46, L046
Native range
Rio Xingu, Brazil.
Natural habitat
Warm fast-flowing Xingu habitat with rock crevices and very high oxygen. Provide strong filtration, high dissolved oxygen and multiple tight caves.
Diet & feeding
Protein-rich sinking foods and frozen/live invertebrates; not an algae-grazing substitute.
Breeding & sexing
Research-backed guidance for identifying sexes and reproductive behaviour.
Sexing
Mature males develop broader heads and stronger odontodes on pectoral spines/cheeks.
Breeding
Male cave-spawner; male guards the clutch in a tight cave until hatching and early development.