Moderate
L333 Hypancistrus sp. cb porto de mos
26–30°C · pH 6–7.5 · 100L
£70.99
Specialist L260 Queen Arabesque Pleco with fine white-on-dark patterning for warm, cave-rich aquariums. A compact Hypancistrus for keepers who can provide clean, oxygen-rich water and meaty sinking foods.
Adult size is the maximum length this species reaches at full maturity (scientific sources). The livestock you receive will be younger and smaller — pick a size variant above for the actual shipping size. Photos are AI-enhanced, so the animal may show subtle colour or marking differences.
Hypancistrus sp.
Specialist L260 Queen Arabesque Pleco with fine white-on-dark patterning for warm, cave-rich aquariums. A compact Hypancistrus for keepers who can provide clean, oxygen-rich water and meaty sinking foods.
Adult size is the maximum length this species reaches at full maturity (scientific sources). The livestock you receive will be younger and smaller — pick a size variant above for the actual shipping size. Photos are AI-enhanced, so the animal may show subtle colour or marking differences.
Maintain these water conditions for optimal health and vibrant colors
L260 Queen Arabesque Pleco (Hypancistrus sp.) is a compact L-number pleco with fine white maze-like markings over a dark body. It is a specialist South American catfish for warm, stable aquariums rather than a generic algae cleaner. Choose this fish for pattern, behaviour and collector appeal, not for pond algae control or cold-water setups.
This pleco stays manageable at around 9 cm, but it still needs a mature aquarium with caves, clean water and reliable oxygenation. It suits keepers who already understand basic tropical fish husbandry and want a peaceful bottom-dweller with more character than a standard community plec.
| Scientific anchor | Hypancistrus sp. L260 |
|---|---|
| Common names | L260 Queen Arabesque Pleco, Queen Arabesque Pleco |
| Adult size | About 9 cm |
| Care level | Moderate |
| Minimum aquarium | 80 litres for one fish; more for groups or mixed plecos |
| Temperature | 26-30°C |
| pH | 6.0-7.5 |
| Diet | Protein-led sinking foods, frozen foods and some quality wafers |
Build the aquarium around secure hiding places. Use smooth caves, slate, rounded stones and wood so the fish can claim a shaded retreat. Strong biological filtration is important because warm pleco tanks can spoil quickly if food is left behind. A spray bar or gentle circulation pump helps keep oxygen high around the bottom of the tank.
Fine sand or smooth gravel is safer than sharp substrate. Plants such as Anubias, Java fern and Bucephalandra work well because they tolerate the shaded, hardscape-heavy layout this fish prefers. Keep lighting moderate and leave clear feeding spots near the front so you can check body condition.
The Queen Arabesque Pleco is often mis-sold as an algae solution, but Hypancistrus species usually need a more protein-rich diet. Use sinking carnivore or omnivore pellets as the staple, then rotate frozen bloodworm, brine shrimp or mysis in small portions. A little spirulina wafer is useful, but plant-only feeding is not enough.
Feed in the evening when the fish is more active. Remove uneaten food the next morning, especially from behind caves. A rounded belly, active grip and steady feeding response are better signs than simply seeing the fish on the glass.
L260 is peaceful with suitable tank mates, but it can defend a favourite cave from other bottom fish. Calm tetras, pencilfish, hatchetfish, rasboras and many Corydoras make sensible companions because they do not compete heavily for pleco caves. Avoid aggressive cichlids, rough bottom-feeders and cramped mixes of territorial plecos.
If you are planning a Loricariid display, compare this species with the L333 Hypancistrus Pleco, L204 Panaque Pleco, Green Dragon Bristlenose Pleco and Snow White Bristlenose Pleco. Give every pleco its own shelter and spread food across more than one feeding area.
When available, livestock from Tropical Fish Co is packed for temperature stability and sent by licensed live-animal courier with our Live Arrival Guarantee. First-time customers can use WELCOME10 where the discount applies. If the size you want is out of stock, use this page to check the care requirements before requesting an update or choosing a similar pleco.
Is L260 a good beginner pleco? It is best for confident keepers rather than first aquariums. The fish is peaceful, but warm water, caves, oxygen and protein-led feeding matter.
Does it clean algae? Not reliably. It may graze biofilm, but it should not be bought as a tank-cleaning fish.
Can I keep one on its own? Yes. A single L260 often settles well if it has a secure cave and calm tank mates.
What makes it different from a bristlenose? L260 has finer maze-like patterning, a more specialist collector appeal and usually a more protein-focused diet.
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