Here’s a precise care guide for L168 Dekeyseria brachyura, a striking striped pleco from the Atabapo River in South America. It’s often confused with similar species like Peckoltia or Dekeyseria pulcher, but L168 is its own thing—with bold contrast, manageable size, and a peaceful attitude.
L168 Pleco (Dekeyseria brachyura) Care Guide
Common Names:
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L168 Pleco
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Butterfly Pleco (sometimes confused with L052)
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Atabapo Pleco
Scientific Name: Dekeyseria brachyura
Origin: Atabapo River (Orinoco basin), Venezuela
Size: 5–6 inches (13–15 cm)
Lifespan: 8–10 years
Temperament: Peaceful, a little territorial with other bottom-dwellers
Tank Setup
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Tank Size: 30 gallons minimum (bigger for multiples)
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Substrate: Fine sand or smooth gravel
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Decor:
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Rounded rocks, driftwood, and tight-fitting caves
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Lots of shaded or low-light hiding spaces
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Plants: Fine with hardy plants and floaters (adds shade they like)
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Lighting: Low to moderate—prefers dim, subdued environments
Water Parameters
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Temperature: 78–84°F (25–29°C)
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pH: 5.5–7.2 (likes it a bit acidic)
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Hardness: Soft to moderate (2–10 dGH)
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Filtration: Moderate to strong, with good oxygenation
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Water Changes: 30–40% weekly—stable, clean water is key
Diet
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Feeding Style: Omnivorous
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Staple Foods:
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Sinking omnivore/carnivore pellets
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Frozen foods (bloodworms, brine shrimp, mysis)
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Blanched vegetables (zucchini, cucumber, spinach)
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Will graze algae but not a dedicated algae eater
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Feeding Frequency: Once or twice daily in small amounts
Behavior & Tankmates
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Temperament: Peaceful, but may be territorial with other plecos
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Activity: Mostly nocturnal or active in low light
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Good Tankmates:
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Peaceful community fish (tetras, rasboras, dwarf cichlids)
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Corydoras, apistos, and upper-level swimmers
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Avoid: Other plecos unless enough caves/space are provided
Breeding
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In Captivity: Occasionally bred by advanced hobbyists
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Spawning Type: Cave spawner
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Requirements: Warm, soft, very clean water; tight breeding caves
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Fry Care: Male guards eggs; fry feed on biofilm and crushed foods
Care Tips
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Needs shaded hiding spots—stress-prone in bright tanks
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Provide at least one cave per pleco to prevent disputes
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Does not eat wood—driftwood for structure, not diet
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Ensure stable temps and pH—don’t let parameters swing
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Known to change color slightly based on mood or lighting—normal behavior
Let me know if you want this formatted as a tank label or compared with L052 (similar species often confused with L168).
