L066 KING TIGER PLECO LARGE 8-10CM

L066 King Tiger Pleco – Care Guide

Hypancistrus sp. “L066”
Common Name: King Tiger Pleco
Origin: Rio Xingu, Brazil

Overview

The L066 King Tiger Pleco is a beautifully patterned dwarf pleco known for its maze-like black and white stripes. Unlike algae-eating plecos, the King Tiger is a carnivore and prefers meat-based foods. Its manageable size, peaceful temperament, and bold appearance make it an excellent choice for aquarists looking for a visually striking bottom dweller in a well-maintained aquarium.

Tank Setup

• Recommended Tank Size: 30 gallons minimum for one adult

• Habitat Design:

  • Caves and tight hiding spots using slate, rock, or pleco tubes

  • Driftwood for cover (not required for diet but appreciated)

  • Sandy or fine gravel substrate

• Filtration: Strong, efficient filter with surface agitation or air stones for high oxygen

• Water Movement: Moderate to strong; simulate flow from native Xingu river habitat

• Lighting: Low to moderate—this species prefers dimly lit or shaded environments

Water Parameters

• Temperature: 78–84°F (25.5–29°C)

• pH: 6.2–7.2 (slightly acidic to neutral)

• Hardness: 3–10 dGH

• Water Quality:

  • Clean, stable water is essential

  • Perform weekly water changes (25–50%)

  • Use pre-filter sponges to prevent food debris build-up

Diet

• Diet Type: Carnivore (not an algae grazer)

• Staple Foods:

  • Sinking carnivore pellets

  • Frozen or live bloodworms, brine shrimp, daphnia

  • Repashy “Meat Pie” or similar protein-rich gel foods

• Feeding Schedule: Once or twice daily, preferably during evening hours when the fish is more active

Supplement occasional plant matter like blanched spinach or zucchini, but avoid excessive algae wafers.

Behavior and Tankmates

• Temperament: Peaceful but territorial with similar bottom dwellers

• Activity Pattern: Nocturnal or crepuscular (dawn/dusk active)

• Tankmates:

  • Great with peaceful tetras, rasboras, dwarf cichlids, and other non-aggressive species

  • Avoid housing with larger plecos or aggressive fish unless tank is large with ample hiding spaces

This pleco does best in a calm community setup where it can establish its own cave or territory.

Breeding

• Difficulty: Moderate, possible in home aquariums with patience

• Conditions Needed:

  • Slight drop in temperature and increased water flow can trigger spawning

  • Provide multiple tight caves for males to choose from

• Behavior:

  • Males guard eggs inside caves

  • Fry hatch in about a week and can be fed crushed pellets, baby brine shrimp, and powdered fry food

Once established, breeding pairs may reproduce regularly in stable tanks.

Health Considerations

• Common Issues:

  • Bacterial infections from poor water quality

  • Bloating from overfeeding or incorrect diet

  • Stress due to inadequate hiding places or aggressive tankmates

• Prevention:

  • Maintain stable water conditions

  • Provide multiple shelters

  • Quarantine new fish before adding to the display tank

Quick Reference Table

Summary

The L066 King Tiger Pleco is a small, eye-catching pleco with a big personality and striking stripes. While it’s not a cleaner or algae grazer, its active nocturnal behavior and unique appearance make it an exciting and rewarding species for hobbyists who can meet its needs. Give it clean water, protein-rich meals, and a few dark caves—and this royal pleco will thrive.