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FishmediumFreshwater

L066 King Tiger Pleco

Hypancistrus sp. L066

Also known as King Tiger Pleco, L066

Animalia›Chordata›Siluriformes›Loricariidae

Kept by 2 members in 2 tanks

The L066 King Tiger Pleco is a stunning small pleco species featuring bold black and white striped patterns that make it highly sought after by aquarists. This nocturnal bottom-dweller is relatively peaceful and does well in established tanks with plenty of hiding spots and driftwood. It's an excellent choice for intermediate aquarists looking to add a visually striking pleco to their collection.

At a glance

Size
3.5 in
9 cm
Min tank
20 gal
76 L
Temp
75–82°F
24–28°C
pH
6.0-7.5
GH
71–143 ppm
4–8 dGH
Temperament
Peaceful
Swims
Bottom
Lifespan
8-12 yrs

Ammonia 0 ppm and nitrate under 20 ppm.

Tanks keeping this

Kept by 2 members

1 tank shared publicly; 1 more kept privately.

Care

Diet

Feed high-quality sinking pellets, algae wafers, and blanched vegetables like zucchini and spinach 3-4 times weekly. Supplement with occasional protein sources such as bloodworms or small crustaceans. Provide driftwood for natural grazing and wood consumption, which aids digestion.

Behavior

The L066 is primarily nocturnal and spends most daylight hours hiding in caves or under driftwood. They are generally solitary and peaceful with other fish, though males may be territorial toward each other. They are active foragers at night and will scavenge the tank bottom for food.

Breeding

Breeding in captivity is challenging and rarely achieved in home aquariums. Males are highly territorial and require separate caves; females are difficult to condition. Successful breeding requires pristine water conditions, abundant hiding spaces, and careful monitoring of pair compatibility.

Member photos

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Common diseases 4Ich (Ichthyophthirius multifiliis), Fin Rot, Bacterial Infection, Parasitic Infection

Ich (Ichthyophthirius multifiliis)

Symptoms

White spots on body and fins, rapid breathing, lethargy, rubbing against objects

Treatment

Increase water temperature to 28-30 C (82-86 F), perform daily water changes, use aquarium salt or ich medication; treat for 7-10 days

Fin Rot

Symptoms

Frayed or deteriorating fins, discoloration at fin edges, lethargy

Treatment

Improve water quality with frequent water changes, remove decaying food, use antibacterial medication if severe; ensure adequate driftwood and hiding spaces

Bacterial Infection

Symptoms

Open sores, cloudy eyes, loss of appetite, color fading, torn fins

Treatment

Perform 50% water changes daily, maintain pristine water conditions, use broad-spectrum antibacterial medication; quarantine if necessary

Parasitic Infection

Symptoms

Excessive scratching, weight loss despite feeding, visible parasites, lethargy

Treatment

Use anti-parasitic medication appropriate for plecos, perform frequent water changes, quarantine affected fish; treat for recommended duration

Legality

No state or federal restrictions on record.

Not legal advice, and possibly incomplete or out of date. Rules vary by state and change over time; check with your state wildlife or agriculture agency before buying, keeping or shipping it.

The care information here is written with AI help, so it can contain mistakes. Spot one? Tell us and we'll fix it.

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