L333 Hypancistrus.L-Number Catfish - (No Online Purchases) Only

Name: L333 Hypancistrus – King Tiger Pleco - Pick up store only.

Scientific Name: Hypancistrus sp. (L333)

Description: A striking freshwater pleco featuring bold black and cream to golden-white stripes across its body and fins. Known as the King Tiger Pleco, this attractive bottom-dwelling catfish is generally peaceful, relatively shy and well suited to established community aquariums with plenty of hiding places.

Origin: South America; native to the Rio Xingu basin in Brazil.

pH: Approximately 6.0–7.5

Temperature: Around 26–30°C

Adult Size: 12–15 cm

Lifespan: 10–15 years with proper care.

Food: Primarily protein-rich sinking foods, including quality carnivore pellets, frozen bloodworms, brine shrimp, mysis shrimp and occasional vegetable-based foods. Unlike Bristlenose Plecos, L333 are not effective algae eaters and require a protein-rich diet.

Compatibility: Generally peaceful with suitable community fish, including tetras, rasboras, Corydoras that tolerate warmer temperatures and other non-aggressive species. Males can become territorial towards other plecos, particularly when competing for caves and hiding spaces.

Habitat: Well-filtered aquarium with excellent oxygenation, moderate to strong water flow, natural driftwood, rocks and plenty of caves. Smooth sand or fine gravel substrate is recommended. A minimum aquarium size of approximately 120–150 litres is recommended for an adult, with larger aquariums preferred for multiple individuals.

Note: The L333 King Tiger Pleco is a warm-water species that thrives in clean, well-oxygenated aquariums. It is primarily carnivorous and should not be purchased as an algae cleaner. Provide plenty of caves and hiding spaces to reduce stress and territorial behaviour.