Cleaner Fish Freshwater Algae Eaters in Fish Tank: Zebra Pleco
Cleaner FishFreshwater Algae Eaters in Fish Tank: Zebra Pleco – 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 described in the
early 1990s.[1] It gets its name from its black and white stripes, resembling
the colouration of a zebra.
![]() |
Photo copyright from aquariumdomain.com
|
Cleaner Fish Freshwater Algae Eaters in Fish Tank: Zebra Pleco
Hypancistrus: from the Greek ὑπό (hypó),
meaning ‘below, beneath, under’, and also the genus name Ancistrus, in
reference to the reduced dentition compared with all the latter.
This species grows to a
length of 6.4 centimetres (2.5 in) SL.[1] This fish was exported from Brazil in
great amounts for sale as aquarium fish. However, currently the Brazilian
government bans the export of certain Hypancistrus, including H. zebra.
Habitat
The fish are found in
deep water, in crevices on the list of rubble.
Suggested Tankmates
An ideal (although
expensive) accession to any community tank notably one stocked with active, but
not boisterous, current loving fish. For some reason many people ask whether
that species could be kept with loaches or discus, it can, but you are not
likely to get the best out of the fish in such company. Best kept in groups of
1 male and 2 -3 females with lively, loving dither fish that is present.
Feeding
This can be backed up by
a lightly toothed and small mouth that signifies it's a poor algae eater.
Provide mainly meaty foods like bloodworm and even brineshrimp.
Care
To value it at its
finest, it really should be held in a biotope set up, comprising a sandy
substrate over which is dispersed bunches of smooth pebbles and rocks of
varying sizes. A couple of driftwood branches would add to the effect, and two
at one end of the tank or a powerhead will supply the necessary water motion
and oxygenation.
Plants don’t tend to do
so good under these conditions, but you could try the more hardy species such
as java fern and Anubias, and these may endure for a time. Additionally, it may
be kept in a a tank that was planted if you want, provided its oxygen demands
are met.
Societal Behaviour
Something you got to
know about Hypancistrus zebra is this fish is as territorial as a cichlid.
Fights continue until an alpha male emerges and from this minute, he'll be the
"only one" for the females, for the food, for the best cave, for
everything.
Over a whole year I
observed this hierarchy is extremely often subject to challenge and
contestation. I've seen at least three kinds of fighting. If he's not guarding
eggs there is an immediate reaction from your dominant male. The alpha male
just manages his fry in the cavern. That doesn't mean the pretender will be
safe a few days later mind you.
Breeding
Raise temp. Ensure there
are many spawning caves and crevices readily available for the fish to select.
During spawning - which happens in several batches - the cavern entrance is
blocked by the male with his head. The male is persuaded by the female far from
safeguarding the cavern entrance to fertilize the eggs.
It is extremely
expensive, because of the very fact it really is seldom accessible. It is a
tough fish to keep, as it needs clear water along with a fast moving current.
They are struggling to live in still water or dirty quarters.[2] It is
nocturnal, moderately territorial, and favors lots of hiding places.