Zebra Pleco Size

Also known as the Imperial pleco, the zebra pleco derives its name from the immediately recognizable zebra stripes and also possesses a substantially long snout and eyes that are set noticeably high in the head. The animal’s base color is whitish while the markings are black. One of the more definitive characteristics of the fish is the very noticeable inverted form of the letter ‘E’ on its forehead. Some specimens of the zebra pleco have stripes running parallel to the main band running across the fish’s body. The zebra pleco price, which is relatively high, does not seem to intimidate most enthusiasts as the species remains very popular. The average zebra pleco size may not be great but they do require large tanks because of their timid but territorial nature.

The zebra pleco’s natural habitat is around the Rio Xingu, which is a tributary of the Rio Amazon located in North Eastern Brazil. Housing them in a domesticated aquarium will require you to mimic their natural conditions, which are either soft or neutral water or the slightly acidic conditions of its natural stream. The water should be warm and well oxygenated at all times while there should also be good water movement. Organic waste within the water should always be maintained at a minimum level and never allowed to rise. Because of the fact that the zebra pleco does not eat algae efficiently, the fish needs to be fed plenty of protein rich food for it to remain healthy. The tank that contains the fish needs to be rather large and able to hold at least 30 gallons of water at a temperature of between 78 and 86 degrees Fahrenheit. The average zebra pleco size is about 8 to 9 centimeters and will usually take about 2 or 3 years to reach its full maturity.

The zebra pleco price will zone in around $60.00 for the cheaper ones and as much as $90.00 for the more expensive varieties. The general attitude of the zebra pleco is one of a shy and nocturnal fish whose tank mates should not be aggressive and prevent the zebra pleco from getting its share of the food. As a result, when the zebra pleco is first introduced into the tank, it is essential to make sure that the fish is getting its share of food. One method of telling their genders apart is to look at the fishes head with the male having a much broader head and the first pectoral fin ray of the male being thicker than the female. The female zebra pleco’s will lay about 7 to 15 eggs in each spawn with about 7 days to hatch.