Our Guide To Keeping L066 King Tiger Pleco
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About Fish Species:
- Scientific name: Hypancistrus sp.
- Common name: King Tiger Pleco
- Family: Loricariidae
- Origin: Amazon River Basin in South America
- Adult length: 10 to 12 cm (4 to 5 inches)
- Lifespan: 10 to 15 years
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Tank Setup:
- King Tiger Plecos require a tank with plenty of hiding places, such as caves, driftwood, and rocky formations.
- Provide a substrate of sand or fine gravel to mimic their natural habitat and prevent injury to their delicate barbels.
- They prefer soft, slightly acidic water with a pH between 6.5 and 7.5.
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Water Parameters:
- Keep the water temperature between 24 to 28°C (75 to 82°F).
- Ensure good water quality with regular water changes and proper filtration.
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Filtration and Water Flow:
- Aim for moderate water flow in the tank, and use a filter suitable for the tank size to maintain optimal water conditions.
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Diet:
- King Tiger Plecos are omnivores and require a varied diet.
- Offer them sinking pellets or wafers specifically formulated for bottom-dwelling fish.
- Supplement their diet with blanched vegetables like zucchini, cucumber, and spinach, as well as occasional protein-rich foods like bloodworms or brine shrimp.
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Tank mates:
- King Tiger Plecos are generally peaceful but can be territorial towards their own kind.
- They are compatible with other peaceful community fish that share similar water parameter requirements, such as tetras, rasboras, and small peaceful cichlids.
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Behavior and Compatibility:
- King Tiger Plecos are nocturnal and often hide during the day, becoming more active at night.
- Provide plenty of hiding spots to make them feel secure and reduce stress.
- Avoid keeping them with aggressive or fin-nipping species that may harass them.