L260 Queen Arabesque Pleco - Hypancistrus sp. L260

L260 Queen Arabesque Pleco

Tiger Pleco Catfish L397 boasts striking orange and black stripes, making it a standout in any aquarium. Originating from Brazil’s Rio Araguaya, this hardy, nocturnal fish thrives in tropical setups. Moreover, its manageable size and peaceful nature suit most tanks. Therefore, aquarists adore it for its vivid colours and easy care.

Size and Lifespan

Tiger Pleco Catfish grow to 10cm, ideal for medium tanks. With proper care, they live 8–12 years. Consequently, their compact size and long lifespan make them a vibrant, lasting addition to your aquarium.

Ideal Tank Setup

To Queen Arabesque Pleco thriving, use a 120-litre tank with strong filtration. Additionally, provide ample hiding spots for comfort. To replicate its natural habitat:

• Maintain pH 6.5–7.5 and temperature 24°C–29°C.
• Add multiple driftwood pieces for grazing.
• Include caves and rockwork for hiding.
• Use a fine substrate to mimic riverbeds.

Compatible Tank Mates

Choose tankmates wisely as these fish do not compete well for food with particularly fast or aggressive tankmates. Suitable tank mates include:

• Neon tetras
• Rasboras
• Corydoras catfish
• Guppies

Diet and Feeding

A definite carnivore, and absolutely not an algae eater. Not picky, take a wide variety of live and frozen food such as bloodworms, brine shrimps, gammarus. Tablets, especially those with high percentage of Spirulina are also recommended.

Breeding and Behaviour

Breeding them in the home aquarium is possible but it is not easily achieved. More than one cave should be produced in an aquarium per pair and a power head placed in such a manner that a current runs water along the cave entrances. The water should be heavily oxygenated with a temperature of 82-86°F (27-30°C) and a pH 7.5 - 8. Two females to every male is recommended and slightly larger water changes are recommended to trigger spawning. Spawning takes place in the cave and the eggs may take plus minus a week to hatch. The male will then guard the fry. The fry can be fed newly hatched brine shrimp and some crushed shrimp pellets. They are slow growers.

Species Overview

• Common Name – L260 Queen Arabesque Pleco
• Origin – Rio Araguaya, affluent of Tocantins, Amazon system, Arunana, Goias, Brazil
• Diet – Omnivorous
• pH Range – Alkaline 6.5–7.5
• Temperature – Tropical 24°C–29°C
• Breed Type – Egg Layer
• Current Size – Approximately 5cm
• Max Size – 10cm
• Tank Size – Minimum 120 litres
• Fast Flowing