King Tiger Pleco (L066)

The king tiger pleco is a Hypancistrus with very high pattern variability that was known in the hobby for many years only by its L-number. A study published in 2025 showed that the forms sold under the numbers L066, L333, L236, L287, L399 and L400 belong to the same variable species, which was given the name Hypancistrus seideli. The name honors Ingo Seidel, an aquarist who has worked on plecos.

It is larger and hardier than the zebra pleco; captive-bred individuals are regularly available. Its care is very similar to that of the zebra pleco: warm, clean, oxygenated water and a mainly meaty diet.

• L066 (king tiger): Fine, dense, winding light lines on a dark background.
• L333 (yellow king tiger): Thick dark lines on a more yellowish background; known from the lower Xingu.
• L236 ("super white"): A rare, expensive form in which the white background dominates.

These forms are natural local variants; since they hybridize easily with each other, keeping them separate is recommended.

It lives in crevices and hollows between stones in the rocky sections of the fast-flowing main channel in the lower reaches of the Xingu. The water is clear, warm and oxygen-rich.

• Volume: At least 150 liters for 1–3 individuals, with a large footprint.
• Flow: An extra circulation pump and strong aeration.
• Cave: A separate cave for each male; rock piles built from flat stones and clay tubes.
• Water: 27–29°C is ideal; a 30% water change every week, low nitrate.

A mainly carnivorous omnivore. Bloodworms, mysis, brine shrimp, shrimp pieces and protein-rich sinking granules should be the staple; vegetable-based wafers can be added a few times a week. It feeds at night; give food after the lights go off.

It is peaceful toward other species; it hides in its cave during the day and comes out at dusk. Males chase each other over caves, but serious injuries are rare.

Good companions: Calm species that like warm water, such as discus, cardinal tetras, rummy-nose tetras, sterbai corydoras and dwarf cichlids.

Avoid: Other Hypancistrus species and different L066 forms (they hybridize), large territorial plecos, aggressive cichlids.

It can be kept on its own. If kept in a group, each male needs a separate cave and hiding places in different corners of the aquarium. For breeding, start with 1 male and 2 females.

It breeds regularly in the aquarium. The female lays a cluster of large eggs in the male's cave; the male guards and fans the eggs and fry in the cave. The fry emerge once the yolk sac is used up and accept fine powdered food, micro granules and crushed frozen foods.

It is a hardy Hypancistrus, but low oxygen and nitrate buildup lead to loss of appetite and bacterial infections. Avoid copper-based medications.

Males have a wider head; the pectoral fin spine and the odontodes on the cheeks are longer. Females are plumper when viewed from above.