The iconic fish of freshwater aquarists is back at ANTHIAS : Hypancistrus zebra L046.

They are bred especially for fishkeepers, and they are available yet again for “L number” enthousiasts.

Since its description in 1991 (Nijssen/Isbrücquer), its success has been planetary, and this fish came close to extinction because of over-fishing. In 2004, the Brazilian government, through its species protection programme IBAMA, made the catching and the marketing of this fish illegal, in order to save the species.

The efficiency of these measures has been challenged recently by a proposed hydro dam (Belo Monte) on the Xingu River. This dam would permanently destroy the only three spots where the Zebra have been observed in natural habitat (for more information : www.raoni.fr).

For this fish and for fishkeeping in general, the only solution is breeding, now more than ever.

It took time for breeding specialists to master reproduction and to be able offer stocks accessible to fishkeepers.

The reproduction of the Zebra takes a relatively large number of broodstock, since the results of inbreeding can be noticed quickly from one generation to the next causing a rapid degeneration of the broodstock.

The Zebra Pleco or the Imperial Pleco, must be kept in highly oxygenated, warm (26-30°C) freshwater (KH: 2-4°all – pH: 6.5-7). It has difficulty in bearing nitrogen-based substances present in water (Nitrites NO2 – Nitrates NO3 – Ammoniac NH3), that is why regular water changes are essential!

WARNING: contrary to most Loricarids, the “Zebra” has a mainly carnivorous diet (marine worms…)

Even if they are wrongly called “cleaner fish”, they must be fed daily as are the other fish in the aquarium.

Please provide hiding places like mangrove roots, or a hollow chamber in terracotta or in resin.

A large shipment of several bred Loricarids are now available: