All our fish, shrimp and corals are bagged with fresh oxygen as well as a heat pack in winter.
When ordering livestock please select the box size and add it to your cart for accurate overnight (1-2 days) shipping costs. A small box can take 1-2 bags and a medium box 6 bags. One bag fits max 10 small (1-3cm) fish or max 2 medium (3-5cm) fish or max 1 large (>5cm) fish.
ONE SPECIES PER BAG. Eg: One bag of 10 neon tetra
Candy Striped Pleco (Hypancistrus sp.)
Description:
-
Appearance:
- Size: Typically grows to about 4-5 inches (10-13 cm) in length.
- Color: Striking pattern with alternating bands of white and dark brown or black, resembling candy stripes.
- Body Shape: Compact, elongated body with a broad, flat head. The fins are also striped, enhancing their distinctive appearance.
-
Behavior:
- Activity Level: Generally nocturnal and more active during the evening or night.
- Social Behavior: Peaceful and non-aggressive towards tank mates. Prefers to be in groups but can adapt to solitary or small groups.
Care Requirements:
-
Tank Size:
- Minimum: 30 gallons (113 liters). Larger tanks are preferable to provide ample space and maintain water quality.
-
Tank Setup:
- Substrate: Soft, sandy substrate is ideal to prevent damage to their delicate undersides.
- Decorations: Provide plenty of hiding spots using driftwood, rocks, and caves. These fish appreciate environments that mimic their natural habitat with lots of nooks and crannies.
- Plants: Hardy, well-rooted plants can be included. These plecos do not typically harm plants, but choose species that can tolerate lower light conditions.
-
Water Parameters:
- Temperature: 75-80°F (24-27°C). Maintain a stable temperature within this range.
- pH: 6.0-7.5. Slightly acidic to neutral.
- Hardness: Soft to moderately hard water.
- Filtration: Strong filtration is needed, but ensure the flow is not too strong. A sponge filter can help maintain a gentle current.
-
Diet:
- Primary Food: Herbivorous and detritivorous. Feed a diet rich in vegetable matter like algae wafers, spirulina pellets, and blanched vegetables such as zucchini and cucumber.
- Supplemental Food: Occasionally offer protein-rich foods such as bloodworms or brine shrimp, especially for juveniles.
-
Behavioral Considerations:
- Compatibility: Generally peaceful and can coexist with a variety of community fish. Suitable tank mates include other peaceful fish like tetras, rasboras, and smaller cichlids.
- Tank Mates: Avoid aggressive or fin-nipping species. They are social fish but can adapt to solitary or small group environments.
-
Tank Maintenance:
- Water Changes: Regular water changes of 25-30% weekly to maintain water quality and reduce waste buildup.
- Cleaning: Keep the tank clean and monitor the filter to ensure it’s functioning properly.
-
Health Care:
- Observation: Regularly check for signs of illness or stress such as unusual behavior, loss of appetite, or skin abnormalities.
- Treatment: Maintain good water quality and promptly address any health issues. Consult an aquarium specialist if needed.
-
Additional Notes:
- Lifespan: Typically 5-10 years with proper care.
- Breeding: Breeding in captivity is rare and requires specific conditions. If attempted, provide a suitable cave or spawning area and maintain optimal water conditions.