Butterfly Pleco - L168 - Zonancistrus brachyurus - DNZ

The pretty Butterfly Pleco has been increasingly misidentified in the past. Among others, the Zoancistrus brachyurus is also commercially available as  Peckoltia pulcher or Zonancistrus brahyurus. It is also called butterfly catfish or flounder pleco. It also belongs to the L-catfishes with the number L 168. Originally the Butterfly Pleco comes from South America and is mainly found in the Rio Negro.

Most striking is its brown-black ground color with the pretty yellow-orange spotted pattern that extends over the fins and is most intense in juveniles, becoming faded with age. Males in particular exhibit rich odontode growth on the first pectoral fin ray and also on the caudal peduncle. They also possess a slightly broader head compared to females, which in turn have a more plump body, especially at spawning time.

The breeding of Zonancistrus brachyurus succeeds regularly. For this the cave spawners need soft water with low pH. Here, crevices and tubes are preferably used for egg laying. These should be offered in different lengths and sizes. Breeding success is reported at water values pH 5.5-6.5, temperature 26-30°C and conductivity 100-250 µS/cm. Clutch size ranges from 30-40 quite small eggs.

In aquariums from 100 cm edge length the Butterfly Plecos can be maintained very well in groups from 5 animals. As substrate a fine light gravel or sand should be used. Since it happens that plants are damaged from time to time, the selection should be based on robust plants such as Vallisnerias or Cryptocorynes with strong roots, but also saprophytes like Anubia or Bucephalandra run out. Important are several caves and a lot of soft bogwood. Adult males are somewhat more aggressive among themselves during the mating season, so the aquarium should be structured accordingly. For the care of Zonancistrus brachyurus a soft to medium hard water can be offered. In case of stress and discomfort the strong coloration fades, at a pH value around 6 their contrasting coloration comes into its own. Then the dark, almost black pattern stands out very sharply against the light background. When designing the tanks for the Ancistrus, one should only take into consideration that the animals absolutely need wood in the form of softer root species, such as bog pine. The wood, or rather the cellulose contained in it, forms an important food source for the animals and should therefore not be missing in any catfish tank. Furthermore, a suitable hiding place would be important, so that the animals can retreat if necessary and find a suitable possibility for spawning. Here are especially classic catfish tubes, Coconut shells or others Caves made of clay are recommended, all of which are readily accepted.

The Butterfly Pleco is a peaceful catfish, which can be kept very well with Shrimps, Snails, smaller Tetra and also other catfishes, which need similar water values, with crayfishes however something caution is required, since the animals occupy the same niche and run so the risk of being pinched or even eaten. Various calm tetras from South America, such as Neon, Red of Rio or  Cherry Spotted Tetra are particularly well suited here.

As omnivore Zonancistrus brachyurus takes commercial catfish food like tablets, flakes or granules, but also red mosquito larvae and other frozen food like Artemia and water fleas. Also vegetable food such as scalded cucumbers, Peppers potatoes and Zucchini are eaten with pleasure, here our easy to dose food is particularly suitable Chipsbut also our Algae Plates.

Our food recommendation: The NatureHolic Catfishfeed for all aufwuchs fressende Saugwelse in the aquarium is a balanced tablet food, which does not cloud the water and the fish eat gladly. The catfish tablets also contain NatureHolic active ingredient complexes, which provide the sucking catfish with everything they need for a strong immune system, healthy growth and great, contrasting coloration. As a snack, supplementary food or vacation food we recommend the CatfishPlates.

Our plant recommendation: Use for planting NatureHolic InVitros. These are free of snails, planarians and other unwanted co-inhabitants. Also free of algae spores, bacteria and fungi.

Expert Tip: We recommend for fish keeping the NatureHolic 3 Phase Liquid. The care set offers the best all-round protection for your animals. It ensures optimal conditions for successful breeding and keeping.