L318 Amapa Zebra Pleco - (Hypancistrus sp.)

🐟 L318 Amapa Zebra Pleco (Hypancistrus sp.)

A rare and beautifully patterned pleco known for its bold black and white stripes, the L318 Amapa Zebra Pleco is a sought-after species prized for its striking appearance and relatively small size.

🔎 Quick Facts

• 📛 Common Name: Amapa Zebra Pleco
• 🔬 Scientific Name: Hypancistrus sp.
• 🎨 Appearance: Bold black and white zebra stripes covering the body and fins
• 📏 Max Size: Up to 3.5–4 inches (9–10 cm)

😇 Behavior & Temperament

• 🕊️ Peaceful and shy, prefers well-structured tanks with hiding spots
• 🌙 Mostly nocturnal, active during low-light hours
• 🤝 Compatible with peaceful community species

🏠 Tank Requirements

• 📦 Minimum Tank Size: 20 gallons or larger
• 🪨 Plenty of caves and driftwood for shelter
• 🌊 Moderate water flow
• 🪵 Soft sand or fine gravel substrate

💧 Water Parameters

• 🌡️ Temperature: 78–86°F (26–30°C)
• ⚗️ pH: 6.5–7.5
• 💧 Soft to moderately hard water

🍽️ Diet

• 🌿 Omnivorous: Prefers protein-rich foods such as bloodworms, brine shrimp, and sinking pellets
• 🍽️ Occasional algae wafers and vegetables

🔍 Sexing

• 👨 Males: Larger with pronounced odontodes on head and pectoral fins
• 👩 Females: Smaller with fewer odontodes

📋 Overview Table

✨ Snippet:

• 🌟 Small, striking pleco with bold black and white stripes
• 🏠 Thrives in well-structured tanks with caves and moderate flow
• 🌙 Nocturnal and peaceful, ideal for community aquariums
• 🍽️ Requires protein-rich diet with occasional algae
• 🎯 Perfect for intermediate aquarists looking for a unique species