Queen Arabesque Pleco (Hypancistrus sp. L260) is an intermediate-level freshwater fish that needs at least 30 gallons and 77-84°F. A small, cave-loving pleco with a bold curly black-and-white pattern. It likes warm, clean, well-oxygenated water and plenty of caves, and it needs meaty sinking foods more than most plecos do. Adult size and exact origin are reported differently by sellers, so treat the ranges as general.
Care facts at a glance
| Scientific name | Hypancistrus sp. L260 |
|---|---|
| Family | Loricariidae |
| Origin | Brazil (sold under trade code L260) |
| Adult size | 3-5 in |
| Minimum tank | 30 gallons |
| Temperature | 77-84°F |
| pH | 6.0-7.5 |
| Temperament | Peaceful; males can defend caves |
| Social behavior | Single or a small group with plenty of caves |
| Swim level | Bottom |
| Difficulty | Intermediate |
| Diet | Omnivore leaning carnivore: sinking pellets, frozen bloodworms, brine shrimp and small foods |
| Typical lifespan | 8-10 years |
Quick tips
- Provide several caves; each fish wants its own.
- Feed sinking meaty foods as well as pellets.
- Keep water warm, clean and well oxygenated.
San Diego water
Captive-bred stock usually adapts to San Diego tap water with slow acclimation. For best color and health, many keepers blend tap with RO/DI water. Learn the numbers in our San Diego tap water guide.
Before you buy
Make sure your tank is cycled (how to cycle a tank), check your numbers with the water testing guide, and use the compatibility guide to check tankmates. These are general ranges; individual fish and local water vary.
Find it at Pet Zone
Pet Zone Tropical Fish is a San Diego aquarium store with two locations. Stock changes daily, so call ahead if you are after a specific species or plant. Shop online at petzonesd.com.
4160 Convoy St, San Diego, CA 92111
(858) 987-0309
Open daily, 10am-6pm
Aquascaping, planted tanks
4266 University Ave, San Diego, CA 92105
(619) 283-1812
Closed Monday; Tue-Fri 10:30am-6pm, Sat 11am-6pm, Sun 11am-4pm
Monster fish, koi