Striped Bulldog Pleco 2-3"
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🐟 Striped Bulldog Pleco Care Sheet
🔹 Overview
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Hypancistrus sp. |
| Common Name | Striped Bulldog Pleco, L046 Pleco |
| Origin | South America (Rio Xingu, Brazil) |
| Adult Size | 10–12 cm (4–5 in) |
| Lifespan | 8–10 years |
| Temperament | Peaceful, territorial with conspecifics |
| Tank Level | Bottom-dweller |
🔹 Tank Setup
| Parameter | Ideal Range |
|---|---|
| Tank Size | 80+ liters (20+ gallons) for a single adult |
| Temperature | 24–28 °C (75–82 °F) |
| pH | 6.5–7.5 |
| Hardness | Soft to moderately hard (4–12 dGH) |
| Substrate | Sand or smooth gravel |
| Decor | Driftwood, rocks, caves, hiding spots |
| Lighting | Low to moderate |
| Filtration | Moderate; strong water flow preferred |
Tips:
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Provide plenty of caves and hiding places to mimic natural habitat.
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Prefer moderate current and well-oxygenated water.
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Sensitive to poor water quality; maintain regular water changes.
🔹 Diet
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Type: Omnivorous / algae eater
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Best Foods: Sinking pellets, algae wafers, blanched vegetables (zucchini, cucumber), occasional protein (bloodworms).
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Feeding Frequency: Once or twice daily; supplement grazing with natural biofilm.
🔹 Behavior & Compatibility
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Peaceful with most community fish; territorial with other bottom-dwellers or conspecifics.
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Bottom-dweller; enjoys caves and shaded areas.
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Best kept with other non-aggressive mid- to large-sized fish.
🧭 Tank Mate Guide
✅ Compatible Species
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Peaceful community fish of medium size
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Other non-aggressive plecos (in large tanks)
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Rainbowfish, tetras, and Corydoras
⚠️ Avoid or Use Caution With
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Aggressive bottom-dwellers
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Very small or delicate fish
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Overcrowded tanks without sufficient hiding spaces
🐣 Breeding Info
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Method: Cave spawner; male guards eggs in a cave.
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Parental Care: Male protects eggs until fry are free-swimming.
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Fry Care: Feed finely crushed food, microworms, or specialized fry diets.
🌿 Fun Facts
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Named for its bulldog-like head and bold striping.
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Excellent algae eater for smaller tanks where large plecos are unsuitable.
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Prefers heavily decorated tanks with caves to feel secure.
