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FishmediumFreshwater

L129 Colombian Zebra Pleco

Hypancistrus debilittera

Also known as L129, Colombian Zebra Pleco L129

Animalia›Chordata›Siluriformes›Loricariidae

The L129 Colombian Zebra Pleco is a striking small pleco with bold black and white striping, making it a popular choice for planted and nano aquariums. This nocturnal bottom-dweller is peaceful and relatively hardy, though it requires excellent water quality and plenty of hiding spots. It's an excellent algae eater and scavenger that helps maintain a clean tank environment.

Where it's from

Native to the Orinoco river basin

Colombia

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
5-8 yrs

Ammonia 0 ppm and nitrate under 20 ppm.

Care

Diet

Feed high-quality sinking pellets, algae wafers, and blanched vegetables such as zucchini and spinach 3-4 times weekly. Supplement with driftwood for natural grazing and provide occasional protein sources like bloodworms or brine shrimp. Feed in the evening as this species is primarily nocturnal.

Behavior

The L129 is a nocturnal species that spends most of the day hiding in caves, driftwood, or dense vegetation. It becomes more active during evening and night hours when it forages for food and explores the tank. This pleco is generally solitary and peaceful, though males may become territorial toward other plecos in smaller tanks.

Breeding

Breeding in captivity is challenging and rarely achieved in home aquariums. Males are territorial and require caves for spawning, while females need excellent nutrition to develop eggs. Successful breeding requires pristine water conditions, stable temperatures, and a well-established tank with minimal disturbance.

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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 temperature to 28-30 C (82-86 F), perform daily 25% water changes, use aquarium salt or ich medication; maintain excellent water quality

Fin Rot

Symptoms

Frayed or deteriorating fins, discoloration at fin edges, lethargy

Treatment

Perform frequent water changes, improve water quality, remove decaying food, use antibacterial medication if severe; ensure adequate filtration

Bacterial Infection

Symptoms

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

Treatment

Isolate affected fish, perform daily water changes, use broad-spectrum antibiotic medication, maintain pristine water conditions

Parasitic Infection

Symptoms

Excessive scratching, white or gray patches, weight loss, lethargy

Treatment

Use anti-parasitic medication, increase water changes, improve tank conditions, quarantine if necessary; monitor closely for secondary infections

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. Native range: Tedesco et al. 2017 (CC0).

Keepers’ experiences

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