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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.
Tank mates
See all 5Small, peaceful fish that occupy different water zones and don't compete for food
Similar peaceful bottom-dweller; may compete for algae but generally compatible
Excellent algae eaters that work synergistically without territorial conflict
Small, non-aggressive schooling fish that won't disturb the pleco
Peaceful mid-water dweller that occupies different zones than the pleco
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Common diseases 4Ich (Ichthyophthirius multifiliis), Fin Rot, Bacterial Infection, Parasitic Infection
Ich (Ichthyophthirius multifiliis)
White spots on body and fins, rapid breathing, lethargy, rubbing against objects
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
Frayed or deteriorating fins, discoloration at fin edges, lethargy
Perform frequent water changes, improve water quality, remove decaying food, use antibacterial medication if severe; ensure adequate filtration
Bacterial Infection
Open sores, cloudy eyes, loss of appetite, color fading, torn fins
Isolate affected fish, perform daily water changes, use broad-spectrum antibiotic medication, maintain pristine water conditions
Parasitic Infection
Excessive scratching, white or gray patches, weight loss, lethargy
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).
At a glance
- Size
- 3.5 in9 cm
- Min tank
- 20 gal76 L
- Temp
- 75–82°F24–28°C
- pH
- 6.0-7.5
- GH
- 71–143 ppm4–8 dGH
- Temperament
- Peaceful
- Swims
- Bottom
- Lifespan
- 5-8 yrs
Ammonia 0 ppm and nitrate under 20 ppm.
Keepers’ experiences
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