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L066 King Tiger Pleco
Hypancistrus sp. L066
📍 South America
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.
Care Guide
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.
Tank Mates
Small, peaceful fish that occupy different water zones and do not compete for food
Similar peaceful bottom-dweller that shares algae-eating habits without direct competition
Peaceful invertebrate that shares similar feeding habits and does not threaten the pleco
Peaceful mid-water dweller that avoids competition with bottom-dwelling plecos
Small, peaceful schooling fish that occupy upper water zones and do not interfere with pleco
Common Diseases
Ich (Ichthyophthirius multifiliis)
White spots on body and fins, rapid breathing, lethargy, rubbing against objects
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
Frayed or deteriorating fins, discoloration at fin edges, lethargy
Improve water quality with frequent water changes, remove decaying food, use antibacterial medication if severe; ensure adequate driftwood and hiding spaces
Bacterial Infection
Open sores, cloudy eyes, loss of appetite, color fading, torn fins
Perform 50% water changes daily, maintain pristine water conditions, use broad-spectrum antibacterial medication; quarantine if necessary
Parasitic Infection
Excessive scratching, weight loss despite feeding, visible parasites, lethargy
Use anti-parasitic medication appropriate for plecos, perform frequent water changes, quarantine affected fish; treat for recommended duration
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Quick Facts
- diet
- Omnivore - primarily herbivorous with protein supplementation
- lifespan
- 8-12 years
- max size
- 9 cm (3.5 in)
- tank size
- 20 gallons minimum
- temperament
- peaceful
Water it likes
- ph
- 6.0-7.5
- ammonia
- 0 ppm
- nitrate
- <20 ppm
- hardness
- 4-8 dGH
- temperature
- 75–82°F (24–28°C)