L173b Thinstriped Zebra Pleco Glaser - (Hypancistrus sp.)

🐟 L173b Thinstriped Zebra Pleco Glaser (Hypancistrus sp.)

The L173b Thinstriped Zebra Pleco Glaser is a strikingly patterned pleco known for its thin black and white stripes, making it a popular choice among pleco enthusiasts. Native to South America, this species is peaceful and best suited for well-maintained aquariums.

🔍 Quick Facts

🧬 Scientific Name: Hypancistrus sp.
🏷️ Common Name: L173b Thinstriped Zebra Pleco Glaser
🌍 Origin: South America
📏 Max Size: 3–4 inches (7–10 cm)
🧪 Lifespan: 8+ years

🕊️ Behavior & Temperament

• 💤 Peaceful and nocturnal
• 🪵 Prefers caves and rock crevices for shelter
• 🤝 Compatible with community tanks but can be territorial with own kind

🏡 Tank Requirements

🛁 Minimum Tank Size: 20 gallons
💨 Moderate water flow with excellent filtration
🌡️ Temperature: 77–82°F (25–28°C)
⚗️ pH: 6.5–7.0
💧 Soft to moderately hard water

🍽️ Diet

🥬 Omnivorous — algae wafers, protein-rich foods like bloodworms, and fresh vegetables

📊 Overview Table

📝 Snippet

The L173b Thinstriped Zebra Pleco Glaser (Hypancistrus sp.) is a small, beautifully striped pleco that thrives in well-maintained tanks with moderate flow and plenty of hiding spots.

⚠️ Note: The L173b is typically considered a lower grade than the true L173. This variant was line-bred by Aquarium Glaser, a German wholesaler who imported wild L173 specimens years ago and bred them with trusted breeders. The offspring appear irregularly and are labeled “L173b,” which is not an official L number but Glaser’s way of denoting “b-class” fish rather than “a-class.” These L173b fish have less zebra-like markings compared to true L173s. Whether these are true L173 or a mix of similar forms is impossible to determine.