Hypancistrus zebra “L46”

Order: Siluriformes
Suborder: Loricarioidei
Family: Loricariidae
Subfamily: Hypostominae
Genus: Hypancistrus
Species: Hypancistrus zebra, Isbrücker & Nijssen, 1991

The Hypancistrus zebra "L46" has a very unique pattern and coloration, making it very easy to recognize. They are white with black horizontal lines all over the body, which makes it look very similar to a zebra pattern.
It is a small fish of max. 8 to 10 cm in size and has a fairly flat head.
Variants with wavy lines have also been found, recognized as the Hypancistrus sp. "L173".

The Hypancistrus zebra "L46" is one of the most popular L-numbers worldwide. Unfortunately, it seems to be impossible to breed enough of this species to supply every aquarist with this fish. Because of this, the price of the L46 will probably always stay high. In addition, there is an export ban in Brazil on this species because its natural habitat is endangered by damming the river. Breeding is therefore important for the survival of this species. Currently it is been worked on various projects to return (bred) animals to the natural habitat but this is still without good results.

"L46" is also called Zebra pleco in the hobby.

In nature, the Hypancistrus zebra "L46" lives between rock crevices in deep pools in the rapids of the Rio Xingu, between Altamira and Belo Monte. They hide well between these crevices and are found at a depth of 6 - 7 meters. The ground consists of dark rocks of volcanic origin.

They prefer moderately warm water, between 27 and 30 degrees. Water temperatures of 32.2 degrees have been measured in their natural habitat. The water is also soft and slightly acidic. The water must mainly contain oxygen and be clean for this species to thrive.

H. zebra are omnivores but tend more towards being carnivores (meat eaters). So they should be fed a varied diet.

In nature they mainly live on the freshwater sponges that grow on the stones. In captivity this fish will take almost every commercial food.

We feed our breeding group mostly with Sponge soft granulate, Artemia soft granulate and Dr. Bassleer Biofish Food Garlic.
Next to that it is possible to feed Insect soft granulate, Krill soft granulate and Mussel soft granulate.

The youngsters we feed with Youngster Grow pasta and Nauplien pasta.

It is a L-number which does not grow very large and can be kept good in an aquarium with around 100 cm length. They really need enough and various hiding possibilities in form of wood, rocks and caves. The temperature of the water should be around 30 °C and highly oxygenated. Streamingpumps, which take care for enough current, should be installed, for the plecos to feel comfortable. Weekly water changes of at least 50%, should be done.

They are a somewhat timid and withdrawn species that are quick to scare away from their food. So pay attention with which fish you keep this pleco with, they should not be placed in a tank with a lot of competitors for food. They are fairly peaceful among their own sort.

Telling a male from a female (which isn't full of eggs) apart is not always easy. The sexes are best seen in nearly adult animals.

From the side view, males and females are quite similar. The pattern, coloration and the size is almost the same.

Also females show odontodes on the pectoral fins and the head, but they're in most cases by far not as long developed. The thickness of the pectoral fin rays can also be a good indicator sometimes. Those are slightly thicker in males than in females.
Males in good condition also develop slightly more odontodes on the tail and have longer odontodes on the gill cover. This is not as clearly visible as with other Hypancistrus species.

From top the whole thing starts to get more easy. A good sexing indicator is the overall body shape from above: males have their broadest body part right around the "shoulders", where the pectoral fins are located. Females show their broadest bodypart slightly behind it, around the upper-belly-part. This is especially with pregnant females very good visible.

Males have a more "blocky" head with long odontodes on it.

For us, the easiest and fastest way to sex "L46" is via the genital papilla. Males show in most cases a longer, more pointy papilla, where as females have a more round and broad papilla.

Breeding in aquariums of H. zebra "L46" is possible with good care and water parameters. It is important to look carefully at the ratio and the hierarchy when putting together a breeding group. Males are quite territorial among  each others in the group. Sometimes these fights actually damages their skin.
In the aquarium the fish breed in breeding caves. The female deposits the eggs and the male fertilizes them. They don't have large nests, usually between 10 and 15 eggs. The eggs are about 4 mm in size and hatch after 5 to 7 days. The male takes care for the eggs and larvae.

The fry eat from their yolk sac for the first 11 to 13 days. Unlike adults, the young prefer vegetarian food.
H. zebra youngsters grow much more slowly than youngsters of many other Hypancistrus species.