Anyone own a Zebra Plec?

[PBirdsong]

I'll be starting a new tank this summer and would like to stock it with Zebra Plecs (hypancistrus zebra). I would like to know what everyone thinks about them. They definately look cool.

 

[megladonsharky]

they are lovely... but they range from 125-250 $ locally by me if you can find them.... there are some lovely one ssimiliar to zebras

 

[thanew]

ill settle with a king tiger pleco or something.. zebras are too much, especially for a fish that small.

 

[Fishyfanatic]

I have never seen a True Zebra Pleco in person. They are rare finds. The exportation of the Pleco from Brazil is no longer allowed. Thus the pleco's that you find nowadays are more expensive because they are tank bread in the US. If you can get ahold of some, I'd try to breed them. You could make some big bucks from that.

 

[Toirtis]

They are somewhat particular about water conditions, and at an average of about $150 each, that could be a fair gamble. Aside from that, they are more carnivorous than many plecos, like some current, and are very rewarding (especially if you can get 6+ of them and successfully spawn them).

 

[krap101]

i saw some on aquabid for around 60$ but im sure it'll go up

 

[talloulou]

My lfs recently quoted me apx $180.00 to special order a zebra pleco.

 

[krap101]

thats pretty good since shippings a ton

 

[Toirtis]

i saw some on aquabid for around 60$ but im sure it'll go up

Yeah, probably up to $90 or so, plus a good $40 shipping....

 

[PBirdsong]

Wow. That breaks my heart. But also gives me a few good ideas. When I have the money.

So what else would you guys recommend? I wan a cool plec, but one that also cleans too. I know some of them out there aren't all that great for the cleaning process.

 

[Toirtis]

Albino bristlenose, queen arabesque, starry night.

 

[Devilishturtles]

How about bushy nose plecos? They are common, small, cheap, and verocious eaters. And ya can't beat the cool looking face.

 

[Medusa Head]

IMHO they are overrated. They are hiders. You will NEVER see them. I've seen planted tanks with over a dozen of them in there and you had to work REALLY hard to just to find ONE.

There are dozens of other brightly colored fancy plecos available. Take a look at all the different peckolitas that Live Aquaria sells for instance.