Freshwater
Catfish
More details
Zebra Pleco Catfish (Hypancistrus zebra)
Pro
Pro
Description
The Zebra Pleco is one of the most sought-after freshwater catfish, prized for its striking black-and-white striped pattern. Small, shy, and territorial, this bottom-dweller is best suited for experienced aquarists who can meet its specialized care needs.
Difficulty Level
Beginner Friendly
Region
Zebra Pleco Catfish (Hypancistrus zebra)
Core Details
Highlights
Care Level
/ 10
Requires stable, warm, oxygen-rich water and a mature, low-stress tank environment.
Environment Impact
/ 10
Wild populations are endangered due to habitat loss and damming; prioritize captive-bred specimens.
Origin
Native to the Xingu River in Brazil, specifically in fast-flowing, oxygen-rich rocky areas near Altamira in the Amazon Basin.
Visual & Functional Appeal
The bold black-and-white zebra stripes make this pleco instantly recognizable and a standout addition to any aquascape. Compact in size with a sleek body, they bring visual interest to caves and crevices.
Purpose
Functions more as a visual showpiece than a cleanup crew member. Offers territorial dynamics and reclusive charm. Does not consume much algae but contributes to the tank’s biodiversity and depth.
Importance
A symbol of rare and ethical fishkeeping. Ideal for biotope aquarists or breeders. Its conservation story also educates hobbyists about Amazonian river health and species preservation.
Included Resources
Needs fine gravel or sand, stable temperature (79–88°F), strong filtration, high dissolved oxygen, and shaded or low-light hiding places. Multiple caves are essential for territory and breeding comfort.
Best Use Cases
Suited for Amazon biotope tanks, specialty pleco tanks, or softwater planted tanks. Works best in tanks without boisterous or competitive bottom dwellers.
Conservation Context
Critically impacted by the Belo Monte Dam. Wild export from Brazil is now illegal. Most available specimens are tank-bred. Supporting captive breeding helps protect wild remnants and reduce poaching.
Ideal Aquatic Animals
• Peaceful tetras (cardinals, rummy nose)
• Pencilfish and hatchetfish
• Small Corydoras (if space allows)
• Dwarf cichlids (Apistogramma)
• Other peaceful Hypancistrus or L-numbers (with caution)
Region (A)
• Latitude: -3.2093° S
• Longitude: -52.1974° W
(Xingu River – near Altamira, Pará, Brazil)
Region (B)
• Latitude: -3.5051° S
• Longitude: -51.7152° W
(Bacajá River confluence, Xingu tributary)
How Many Can I Keep?
Get smart stocking suggestions based on your tank size.
e.g. 75 gallons (280 L)
Zebra Pleco Catfish (Hypancistrus zebra)
Core Details
Highlights
Care Level
/ 10
Requires stable, warm, oxygen-rich water and a mature, low-stress tank environment.
Environment Impact
/ 10
Wild populations are endangered due to habitat loss and damming; prioritize captive-bred specimens.
Origin
Native to the Xingu River in Brazil, specifically in fast-flowing, oxygen-rich rocky areas near Altamira in the Amazon Basin.
Visual & Functional Appeal
The bold black-and-white zebra stripes make this pleco instantly recognizable and a standout addition to any aquascape. Compact in size with a sleek body, they bring visual interest to caves and crevices.
Purpose
Functions more as a visual showpiece than a cleanup crew member. Offers territorial dynamics and reclusive charm. Does not consume much algae but contributes to the tank’s biodiversity and depth.
Importance
A symbol of rare and ethical fishkeeping. Ideal for biotope aquarists or breeders. Its conservation story also educates hobbyists about Amazonian river health and species preservation.
Included Resources
Needs fine gravel or sand, stable temperature (79–88°F), strong filtration, high dissolved oxygen, and shaded or low-light hiding places. Multiple caves are essential for territory and breeding comfort.
Best Use Cases
Suited for Amazon biotope tanks, specialty pleco tanks, or softwater planted tanks. Works best in tanks without boisterous or competitive bottom dwellers.
Conservation Context
Critically impacted by the Belo Monte Dam. Wild export from Brazil is now illegal. Most available specimens are tank-bred. Supporting captive breeding helps protect wild remnants and reduce poaching.
Ideal Aquatic Animals
• Peaceful tetras (cardinals, rummy nose)
• Pencilfish and hatchetfish
• Small Corydoras (if space allows)
• Dwarf cichlids (Apistogramma)
• Other peaceful Hypancistrus or L-numbers (with caution)
Region (A)
• Latitude: -3.2093° S
• Longitude: -52.1974° W
(Xingu River – near Altamira, Pará, Brazil)
Region (B)
• Latitude: -3.5051° S
• Longitude: -51.7152° W
(Bacajá River confluence, Xingu tributary)
How Many Can I Keep?
Get smart stocking suggestions based on your tank size.
e.g. 75 gallons (280 L)
Zebra Pleco Catfish (Hypancistrus zebra)
Core Details
Highlights
Care Level
/ 10
Requires stable, warm, oxygen-rich water and a mature, low-stress tank environment.
Environment Impact
/ 10
Wild populations are endangered due to habitat loss and damming; prioritize captive-bred specimens.
Origin
Native to the Xingu River in Brazil, specifically in fast-flowing, oxygen-rich rocky areas near Altamira in the Amazon Basin.
Visual & Functional Appeal
The bold black-and-white zebra stripes make this pleco instantly recognizable and a standout addition to any aquascape. Compact in size with a sleek body, they bring visual interest to caves and crevices.
Purpose
Functions more as a visual showpiece than a cleanup crew member. Offers territorial dynamics and reclusive charm. Does not consume much algae but contributes to the tank’s biodiversity and depth.
Importance
A symbol of rare and ethical fishkeeping. Ideal for biotope aquarists or breeders. Its conservation story also educates hobbyists about Amazonian river health and species preservation.
Included Resources
Needs fine gravel or sand, stable temperature (79–88°F), strong filtration, high dissolved oxygen, and shaded or low-light hiding places. Multiple caves are essential for territory and breeding comfort.
Best Use Cases
Suited for Amazon biotope tanks, specialty pleco tanks, or softwater planted tanks. Works best in tanks without boisterous or competitive bottom dwellers.
Conservation Context
Critically impacted by the Belo Monte Dam. Wild export from Brazil is now illegal. Most available specimens are tank-bred. Supporting captive breeding helps protect wild remnants and reduce poaching.
Ideal Aquatic Animals
• Peaceful tetras (cardinals, rummy nose)
• Pencilfish and hatchetfish
• Small Corydoras (if space allows)
• Dwarf cichlids (Apistogramma)
• Other peaceful Hypancistrus or L-numbers (with caution)
Region (A)
• Latitude: -3.2093° S
• Longitude: -52.1974° W
(Xingu River – near Altamira, Pará, Brazil)
Region (B)
• Latitude: -3.5051° S
• Longitude: -51.7152° W
(Bacajá River confluence, Xingu tributary)
How Many Can I Keep?
Get smart stocking suggestions based on your tank size.
e.g. 75 gallons (280 L)
Zebra Pleco Catfish (Hypancistrus zebra)
Region
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