L066 King Tiger Pleco (Hypancistrus contradens)

Hypancistrus contradens (L066), the King Tiger Pleco, is a sought-after species from the Orinoco and Ventuari rivers of Venezuela, featuring a distinctive pattern of wavy dark and pale vermiculations that are unique to each individual fish — no two specimens are identical. It prefers warm, well-oxygenated water with strong flow and a protein-rich diet supplemented with algae and vegetable matter. Providing smooth cave-like structures is essential for both shelter and as potential spawning sites for this cave-spawning species.

House in an aquarium (minimum 200 L) with smooth caves, driftwood, and a strong directional flow. Maintain warm, soft to moderately hard water (pH 6.0–7.2, GH 2–10) at 26–30°C with excellent oxygenation. Feed primarily protein-rich carnivore foods: frozen shrimp, bloodworm, sinking carnivore pellets — supplement with algae wafers and blanched vegetables. Provide one cave per pleco. Perform regular 25–30% water changes weekly.