Hypancistrus zebra - Zebra plecos

[BallAquatics]

Anyone ever kept these fish or know someone who does?  From the info on the WEB they seem to be fairly easy to keep & spawn.

Dennis

[greydragon]

if they are so easy to spawn and grow why do they cost so much???

[BallAquatics]

From what I've read, they don't have very may fry per spawn.  Something like 8 to 15.

Dennis

[Mugwump]

From what I've read, they don't have very may fry per spawn.  Something like 8 to 15.

Dennis

Yep, right on the money, Dennis....and the survival rate isn't all that good either. The guys that make any money on those have multiple pairs....

[PaulineMi]

They're beauties. Are you going to try your hand at them?

There are so many gorgeous plecos out there. Not being a breeder I hate spending so much on a fish that hides most of the time.

[BallAquatics]

They're beauties. Are you going to try your hand at them?

I'm seriously considering it.  I've never been a big pleco fan, but these guys are not your typical pleco.  They stay small and don't bother plants.  They are stunningly beautiful to see in-the-flesh.

Dennis

[Mugwump]

They're beauties. Are you going to try your hand at them?

I'm seriously considering it.  I've never been a big pleco fan, but these guys are not your typical pleco.  They stay small and don't bother plants.  They are stunningly beautiful to see in-the-flesh.

Dennis

The dwarf bristle nosed type ..aka BN's don't get big.....and I agree, they're perfect for tanks, planted, or not.....I even put BN fry in with my small angel fry, and raise them together...the BN's scarf the angel fry leftovers.....win/win and keeps bacteria down from rotting food...

[ilroost]

I have seen these in picts and have always wanted one, but like everyone say's they are to high priced for me

[BallAquatics]

.....but like everyone say's they are to high priced for me

I hear that!  I'd never pay the price just to have one in my tank...  I'm thinking more along the lines of investing in a small group with the intent that they pay off down the road.

Dennis

[BallAquatics]

The dwarf bristle nosed type ..aka BN's don't get big.....and I agree, they're perfect for tanks, planted, or not.....I even put BN fry in with my small angel fry, and raise them together...the BN's scarf the angel fry leftovers.....win/win and keeps bacteria down from rotting food...

What's the scientific name of these guys Jon?  They sound like a great clean-up crew for fry tanks.  I must admit that I'm a bit out-of-step with the current plecos.  I remember the plecos from back in the 60's & 70's.  Fine while they were small but brutes when they grew up... nothing was safe, plants or small fish!

Dennis

[Mugwump]

Dennis, there are so many varieties that they are listed by 'L' numbers...here's a link over to 'Planetcatfish' 'L' catalog, with pictures....have fun, it'll make your head spin....LOL...so many BN's, so little time.....

http://www.planetcatfish.com/catelog/numbers.php?mode=l&thumbs=16

[BallAquatics]

Believe it or not, I've spent a good bit of time over there lately.  LOL

I guess I should have been clearer, what is the scientific name of the ones you are keeping and using for a clean-up crew?

Dennis

[PaulineMi]

Ancistrus temminckii

Here's what they do when another fish gets too close and what causes them to get caught in a net.


Happy pleco:

[BillT]

I like those pictures Pauline!

[BallAquatics]

Nice photo's Pauline!  What were you poking that poor fish with to make it do that???  lol lol   

Dennis