🐟 L333 King Tiger Pleco – Hypancistrus sp. – Rare Bellenz Variant

The L333 King Tiger Pleco is a striking freshwater fish from Brazil’s Rio Xingu, celebrated for its bold black-and-white striping and dramatic high-contrast appearance. The rare “Bellenz” variant is highly prized by pleco collectors for its crisp, clean pattern lines and vibrant coloration.

These peaceful and hardy L333 plecos thrive in well-maintained aquariums with warm, oxygen-rich water, plenty of caves, driftwood, and hiding spots, and stable water conditions. Perfect for hobbyists seeking a showpiece or a unique addition to a community aquarium, the L333 King Tiger Pleco combines both beauty and resilience.

🔎 Quick Facts

• Common Name: King Tiger Pleco
• Scientific Name: Hypancistrus sp. L333
• L-Number: L333
• Origin: Rio Xingu, Brazil
• Appearance: Black-and-white striped, high-contrast pattern
• Max Size: 4–5 inches (10–12 cm) juvenile, up to 6–7 inches (15–18 cm) adult

😇 Behavior & Temperament

• Peaceful, ideal for community aquariums
• Mostly nocturnal, active during low-light periods
• Hardy species suitable for hobbyists of all levels

🏠 Tank Requirements

• Minimum Tank Size: 30+ gallons for juveniles, 55+ gallons for adults
• Provide caves, driftwood, rocks, and hiding spots
• Moderate water flow preferred
• Warm, stable water temperature: 78–86°F (25–30°C)
• pH: 6.5–7.5, soft to moderately hard water

🍽️ Diet

• Omnivorous: Algae wafers, vegetables (zucchini, cucumber)
• Occasional protein: Bloodworms, shrimp

🔍 Sexing

• Males: Slightly larger, may develop odontodes on pectoral fins
• Females: Smaller, rounder abdomen

📋 Overview Table

✨ Key Highlights

• 🐟 Rare L333 King Tiger Pleco “Bellenz” variant with crisp, high-contrast stripes
• 🌿 Peaceful and hardy, perfect for community tanks
• 🪵 Requires caves, driftwood, and hiding spots for enrichment
• 🌊 Thrives in moderate water flow and stable conditions
• 📏 Grows up to 6–7 inches, ideal for medium to large aquariums