Care Level: Moderate

Temperament: Peaceful

Live Plant Safe: Yes

General Description: The Columbian Zebra Plecostomus or Pleco for short, also known as the L129 or Brown Zebra Pleco, are native to highly oxygenated waters of the Orinoco river basin in Venezuela and Colombia. The Brown zebra pleco appears as its name describes: a body decorated in a pattern of brown and cream stripes that resemble our African hooved friends. Contrary to popular belief, the Brown zebra pleco has little interest in algae or anything of the sort, requiring a diet that is heavily protein based. This pleco will almost entirely ignore all other fish in the aquarium, with the exception of other bottom-dwelling plecos or catfish species that it will act aggressively toward. Only one Brown zebra pleco should be kept per aquarium, unless the aquarium is very large and ample hiding places are provided. An adult Brown zebra pleco can reach a size of approximately 3″.

Diet Requirements: Brown zebra plecostomus are carnivores, with the exception of juveniles that will accept more vegetable based foods. A diet made up of various high quality frozen foods such as bloodworms, mussels, and chopped prawns are ideal in addition to sinking dried foods. Offering blanched pieces of zucchini occasionally can be attempted, but may not be accepted. Variety is the spice of life in order to maintain color, immune function and longevity of your fish.

Care Requirements: An established minimum 30 gallon aquarium is ideal for a single Brown zebra pleco. This species requires relatively clean water that is low in nitrates (< 20 ppm), rigorous water flow and more tropical temperatures (75-82° F). A Brown zebra pleco should not be introduced into a biologically immature aquarium, as they are sensitive to nitrite and ammonia. As they obtain size, plecostomus add quite a significant amount of bioload (or biological load, in terms of waste) in your aquarium. Do not become complacent on water changes for this very reason. The aquarium should have a fine to sandy substrate and aquascaped with rocks and driftwood for coverage and places to hide. It is not uncommon for your Brown zebra plecostomus to spend a lot of its time hanging on driftwood during the daytime or in hiding. Many live plants may not thrive in the water conditions a Brown zebra pleco prefers, but the fish itself will cause no harm to said plants. A shy species, tank mates that will outcompete the Brown zebra pleco in food resources should be avoided. Recommended water conditions, 75-82° F, KH 6-10, pH 6.4-7.6.

Purchase Size: Medium: 2” to 2-1/4”

Note: Your item may not look identical to the image provided due to variation within species. Purchase sizes are approximate.