The Hypancistrus Zebra L 46 3-3,5cm(Hypancistrus zebra) is an iconic dwarf loricariid, recognisable by its black and white zebra pattern. Native to the Rio Xingu (Brazil), it is generally offered as a farmed fish for experienced aquarists. This fish thrives in very stable, well-filtered, well-oxygenated aquariums in our freshwater world, with well-equipped tanks.

Behaviour & maintenance

TheHypancistrus zebra is a nocturnal bottom-dwelling fish , discreet and generally peaceful with other species, but can be territorial towards conspecifics or other loricariids if hiding places are insufficient.

• Active mainly at night, hides during the day in tubes, caves and rocky crevices.
• Compatible with small, calm fish occupying the environment and the surface.
• Best kept in small groups in a special tank or very quiet community tank.

An aquarium of at least 80-100 L for a small group, with powerful filtration, moderate to strong current and very well-oxygenated water. Use starter bacteria to stabilise the cycle and check your parameters regularly with water tests.

Power supply

Hypancistrus zebra is an omnivore with a clear carnivorous tendency. It should not be considered as a simple algae eater.

• Base: sinking protein pellets and tablets for carnivorous groundfish.
• Regular frozen/live supplements: artemia, mysis, fine krill, small crustaceans, bloodworms (in moderation).
• Light vegetable intake: mixed pellets, very small portions of poached vegetables if accepted.

See our range of foods for carnivorous groundfish. In planted tanks, support plants with aquarium fertiliser.

Water quality

• Ideal temperature: 26 - 30°C
• pH: 6.0 - 7.2
• GH: 2 - 10 °dGH
• KH: 1 - 5 °KH
• Conductivity: 80 - 250 µS

Before introduction, treat the water with a water conditioner. Hypancistrus zebra is very sensitive to nitrites and nitrates: carry out regular water changes (20-30% per week) and monitor your parameters closely with our water tests.

Decor & environment

In the wild, the L46 lives in rocky areas with strong currents on the Rio Xingu. Reproduce a structured environment rich in refuges:

• Aquarium substrate: sand or fine, rounded gravel.
• Numerous caves, tubes, stones and roots to provide individual hiding places.
• Moderate to subdued lighting, with plenty of shaded areas.

For an optimal environment, use aquarium substrate, ouraquascaping elements and aquarium lighting. Complete the décor with decorations to create caves and interstices.

Maintenance sheet

Aquabota tip

To keep your Hypancistrus zebra in top condition, rely on a strong current, ultra-clean water and plenty of hiding places. Feed mainly at dusk and regularly monitor your parameters with our water tests.

Shipping & delivery of live fish

The fish are shipped with care in specially adapted isothermal packaging, guaranteeing their safety during transport.

Delivery methods

• France Express (secure home delivery in France, Belgium and Luxembourg)
• In-store collection at Sombreffe (Belgium)

Shipment organisation

• Orders closed: every Monday at 10.00 am.
• France: departures on Monday or Tuesday, depending on the delivery department, for delivery between Tuesday and Thursday.
• Belgium & Luxembourg: departures on Monday and Tuesday for delivery between Tuesday and Wednesday.