No photo yet
Sign in to add the first photo.
L260 Queen Arabesque Pleco
Hemiancistrus sp. L260
Also known as L260, Queen Arabesque L260
Animalia›Chordata›Siluriformes›Loricariidae
The L260 Queen Arabesque Pleco is a stunning mid-sized pleco featuring intricate white arabesque patterns on a dark body, making it a prized addition to planted and heavily decorated tanks. This species is nocturnal and relatively peaceful, though it requires ample hiding spaces and driftwood for rasping and behavioral enrichment. It is moderately demanding in care requirements and best suited for experienced aquarists familiar with pleco husbandry.
At a glance
- Size
- 5.5 in
- 14 cm
- Min tank
- 55 gal
- 208 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
- 10-15 yrs
Ammonia 0 ppm and nitrate under 20 ppm.
Care
Diet
Feed high-quality sinking algae wafers, blanched zucchini, cucumber, and spinach 3-4 times weekly. Supplement with occasional protein sources such as bloodworms or small crustaceans. Provide ample driftwood for natural rasping and wood consumption, which aids digestion and provides essential nutrients.
Behavior
The L260 is primarily nocturnal and spends daylight hours hidden among driftwood, plants, and caves. It is a peaceful bottom-dweller that rarely interacts with other fish but may become territorial with other plecos if space is limited. This species is relatively inactive during the day but becomes more active during evening and night hours.
Breeding
Breeding in captivity is extremely difficult and rarely achieved in home aquaria. Males are territorial and require specific cave structures for spawning. Successful breeding demands pristine water conditions, optimal temperature stability, and a well-established tank with minimal disturbance.
Tank mates
See all 5Small, peaceful schooling fish that occupy upper water columns and do not compete for bottom space
Similar peaceful algae-eating habits; may compete for food but generally coexist without aggression
Bottom-dwelling catfish with peaceful temperament; both species occupy similar niches but rarely conflict
Small, non-aggressive schooling fish that remain in mid-water zones away from pleco territory
Algae-eating invertebrates that work synergistically with plecos for tank maintenance
Member photos
Photos are added when members log a tank with this species and upload a photo in their tank journal. Add your own tank to contribute.
No photos yet — add a tank with L260 Queen Arabesque Pleco to be the first!
Sign in to vote.
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 surfaces
Raise temperature gradually to 28-30 C (82-86 F), perform frequent water changes, use aquarium salt or ich-specific medication; maintain excellent water quality
Fin Rot
Frayed or deteriorating fin edges, discoloration at fin bases, progressive fin damage
Perform 25-50% water changes every 2-3 days, improve water quality, use antibiotic medication if severe; ensure adequate driftwood and hiding spaces to reduce stress
Bacterial Infection
Open sores, cloudy patches on skin, loss of appetite, behavioral changes, fin deterioration
Isolate affected fish if possible, perform frequent water changes, use broad-spectrum antibiotic medication, maintain optimal water parameters
Parasitic Infection
Excessive mucus coating, scratching behavior, weight loss despite feeding, visible parasites on body
Use anti-parasitic medication appropriate for plecos, perform water changes, quarantine if possible, improve tank hygiene and water quality
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.
At a glance
- Size
- 5.5 in14 cm
- Min tank
- 55 gal208 L
- Temp
- 75–82°F24–28°C
- pH
- 6.0-7.5
- GH
- 71–143 ppm4–8 dGH
- Temperament
- Peaceful
- Swims
- Bottom
- Lifespan
- 10-15 yrs
Ammonia 0 ppm and nitrate under 20 ppm.
Keepers’ experiences
Keep L260 Queen Arabesque Pleco? Share how it's going.
Nobody has shared one yet. A few lines on how they've done in your tank help the next keeper.