Family: Loricariidae
Distribution: Dekeyseria pulcher, sometimes known as Butterfly Pleco, occurs in the Canal Casiquiare basin, and the Upper Negro and Orinoco Rivers.
PH: 6.0 – 8.0
Temperature: 24°C – 28°C (75 – 84F)
Hardness: 5 – 19 dH
Description: Dekeyseria pulcher can reach up to 16 cm in length. This striped species, with its main colours of black and white, is highly sought after by aquarists. The Butterfly Pleco can change colours immediately to camouflage it from predators. It has a life expectancy of 5 – 8 years.
Diet: Dekeyseria pulchra is an algae eater in the wild, but will require more nutrients in an aquarium environment. You can use algae food as a base diet and add several vegetables – zucchini, cucumbers, green peas – and occasional servings of meaty foods.
Breeding: This species has been bred in aquarium environments, unlike many Plecos. You should add plenty of driftwood and spawning caves to your tank. The male will guard and fan the eggs, and keep his fry inside a cave until they are fully formed.
Comments: Dekeyseria pulchra will appreciate conditions close to its natural habitat, so mimic Rio Negro by adding plenty of wood, rocks and plants. You should avoid a dark substrate; the fish will camouflage itself against a dark background. Keep this species in a tank of at least 15 gallons in volume. Dekeyseria pulchra is recommended to those with some experience in the hobby.
Article/Books:
Recommended Compatible Species: Dekeyseria pulchra can be kept in a community tank with other non-aggressive species. Males can be territorial; be wary if housing Butterfly Pleco in a one-species tank. They will live happily with most Tetra species (particularly the Neon Tetra and Black Tetra). They are also great tank mates with Discus, Apistogramma‘s like Apistogramma Cacatouides and Apistogramma Borelli, Corydoras Catfish (particularly Corydoras Sterbai and Corydoras aeneus) Angelfish, Clown loach, the common Guppy and Platy and most Gourami (such as the Blue Gourami and Dwarf Gourami like the Honey Gourami) Also can live happily with most Danio (particularly the Zebra Danio and Pearl Danio) and also many Killifish make great tank mates.
Originally posted 2010-01-17 20:47:43. Republished by Blog Post Promoter
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