Zebra Pleco....oops

I went to my local fish store and the owner was out. I wanted a spotted bristle nose but the lady helping me netted a zebra Pleco instead. He is probably a few months old as about 1 in. They charged me $40 which I thought was rather pricey but thought the Pleco usually live for many years and I have bought Bettas for $20 and they don’t live as long ( this was rationale to hubby). He was hanging out on the glass when he got netted but after putting him in my 38 gallon has gone into hiding so can’t get pictures to show you. I have been reading about him and now I’m worried. He was tank bred so not sure what variety he is. Was very striking in color and we named him Zeek. He is in a tank with a betta, 6 tetra, 2 cherry barbs, 2 otos and 4 cories. I have wood cave and rocks, sand and small pebble gravel, plants, keep my temp at 78, have med light, 2 filters- 1 fluval U3 and marine land for 40 gal, air stone I feed frozen brine shrimp , blood worms and other varieties of frozen food to mix it up. My water test at Petco was in safe zone (sorry don’t have my own kit yet) and ph is 6.5. I do 25% water change weekly. All fish seem to be thriving and peaceful. I am very worried about him getting food. I was wondering if I should put him in a 10 gallon until he gets older with strong filter and bubbler with the layered rocks like I saw in a post and a little sand no plants by himself. I would do frequent water changes. I could also move my cories into my 20long is heavy tannins from wood so didn’t think should put Zeek in there and not much current as betta is there and doesn’t like moving water. I respect your opinions as I’m still learning and obviously making mistakes as I go. Any thoughts on this for me? Thanks everyone in advance.

 

The $40 price is more compatable with the False Zebra Pleco.
A true Zebra's would cost much more. Both are very beautiful Plecos. Just make sure there is wood in the tank for the Pleco to munch on. Don't worry about the tannins, the Pleco will thrive in tannin stained water. Once the Pleco settles in you will likely see it more often. DI'm lighting will help. Post pics when you can.

 

The $40 price is more compatable with the False Zebra Pleco.
A true Zebra's would cost much more. Both are very beautiful Plecos. Just make sure there is wood in the tank for the Pleco to munch on. Don't worry about the tannins, the Pleco will thrive in tannin stained water. Once the Pleco settles in you will likely see it more often. DI'm lighting will help. Post pics when you can.

Thank you so much I feel much better

I will probably move him to my heavy wood tank with no other bottom dwellers then.

 

Do you have a picture?

 

I was able to view the pic on the notification.
Very pretty. It looks like one of the varieties of False Zebras.
The true Zebra's stripes are horizontally straight.

 

Agreed. I’m not getting pictures today, presume it’s a site issue. I’m having to go to profiles to view them

 

Agreed. I’m not getting pictures today, presume it’s a site issue. I’m having to go to profiles to view them

Yes it's currently an error where the pics only show up on the app or mobile, not desktop. Mike is working on it

 

I’ll try to get a better picture

 

That was a good pick up. Very pretty & healthy looking.

 

That was a good pick up. Very pretty & healthy looking.

Thanks! Also thanks again for peace of mind. A real zebra would be way out of my experience and comfort zone.

 

It’s still a Hypancistrus, and it will be very similar to keep. It’s a carnivore, so it won’t eat algae and doesn’t need wood. It will probably be shy and you’ll have to make sure it gets enough to eat. If it’s getting enough and has somewhere nice and dark to go, it should be peaceful with any fish that isn’t on the bottom.

 

It’s still a Hypancistrus, and it will be very similar to keep. It’s a carnivore, so it won’t eat algae and doesn’t need wood. It will probably be shy and you’ll have to make sure it gets enough to eat. If it’s getting enough and has somewhere nice and dark to go, it should be peaceful with any fish that isn’t on the bottom.

Okay thanks. He’s definitely shy and hiding in dark nooks. He’s now the only bottom feeder as put him in 20 long away from cories. He’s with a betta and 7 harlequin Rasbora.

 

My zebras coming out to have a munch lol They seemed to enjoy being in the water with the tannins too, need to give the rocks a bit of a scrub though Its about the only time you see them at feeding time!!! Had to take stills from a video as it wouldn’t let me upload the video if anyone has any tips for me that would be great, many thanks. And your false zebra is a lovely looking fish