Butterfly pleco

The butterfly pleco is a slender, flattened loricariid from the warm, soft blackwaters of the Rio Negro and upper Orinoco. It is famous for rapidly shifting its zebra-like pattern of dark and pale bands to match its surroundings, becoming darker on wood and paler on sand. Peaceful and shy, it makes an excellent tankmate for characins, dwarf cichlids and other calm species, though males can be mildly territorial toward each other over prime hiding spots. Provide plenty of driftwood, which it rasps for biofilm and aufwuchs, alongside caves and subdued lighting. Water should be warm, soft, acidic and very clean with good oxygenation and gentle flow. Its diet is largely herbivorous and biofilm-based: offer vegetables, quality algae wafers and only occasional protein to prevent bloating.