Not furry, but we like them anyway.
Queen Arabesque Pleco
Hypancistrus sp. L260 (undescribed)
Also called L260
From Lower Rio Tapajós in Pará, northern Brazil, between Santarém and Pimental1
At a glance the quick version
Looks how to spot one
Armoured suckermouth catfish
A small, flattened pleco with a dark body covered in fine, maze-like white lines, giving it a lace or arabesque look. The pattern is finer than in the look-alike L411. Males have broader heads and more odontodes on the pectoral fins, and older males may turn darker.1
Personality what they are like
A generally peaceful bottom-dweller that keeps to caves and rocky areas.1
Daily activity how busy a day looks
Most active in low light; appreciates moving, well-oxygenated water.1
Grooming and care the hands-on bits
Keep water at 24 to 30 C, pH 5.5 to 7.5 and hardness 1 to 15 dGH, with good filtration and regular partial water changes.1
Home where they are happiest
Seriously Fish suggests a base of at least 90 x 30 cm (about 81 litres), with caves and rocks for each fish.1
Food basics what goes in the bowl
An omnivore that prefers small invertebrates. Offer sinking dried foods, frozen Daphnia, mosquito larvae, bloodworm and shrimp, with vegetables now and then.1
Company who they like around
Fits a peaceful setup. Avoid mixing it with other Hypancistrus species, as they can cross-breed.1
The story where it all began
Known only by its trade code L260, this pleco has no formal scientific name yet. It has become one of the most popular plecos in the hobby and is now regularly bred in aquariums.1
Fun facts for the dinner table
Recognised by the official bits
- Aquarium trade codes
- L260; not yet formally described by science1
The care rhythm Furry Diary remembers it for you
A typical home-care rhythm for a Queen Arabesque Pleco. It is our own starting plan, not a vet's advice, and you can change every line in the app.
- FeedingSmall amounts once or twice a dayevery day
- Temperature checkevery day
- Water changeAbout 25% of the waterevery week
- Water testevery week
- Glass cleanevery week
- Filter rinseRinse in old tank water, never tap waterevery month
Owner questions the things everyone asks
How often should I feed my Queen Arabesque Pleco?
Feed small amounts once or twice a day. Furry Diary's starting plan is to offer food daily, but watch your fish and adjust so nothing is left uneaten after a few minutes.1 Furry Diary plan
What does a Queen Arabesque Pleco eat, and what should it never eat?
This omnivore enjoys sinking dried foods, frozen Daphnia, mosquito larvae, bloodworm, and shrimp, plus occasional vegetables. Never feed it anything that isn't designed for fish, and avoid overfeeding high-protein foods.1
How much space does a Queen Arabesque Pleco need?
Seriously Fish recommends a base of at least 90 x 30 cm, which is about 81 litres. Provide caves and rocks for each fish to feel secure.1
What temperature, light or water does a Queen Arabesque Pleco need?
Keep water between 24 and 30 C, with a pH of 5.5 to 7.5 and hardness of 1 to 15 dGH. It is most active in low light and appreciates moving, well-oxygenated water.1
How often should I clean a Queen Arabesque Pleco's home?
Furry Diary's plan suggests a weekly partial water change of about 25%, along with a weekly glass clean and water test. Rinse the filter monthly in old tank water, never tap water. Furry Diary plan
Can a Queen Arabesque Pleco live with others?
Yes, it fits a peaceful community setup. Avoid mixing it with other Hypancistrus species to prevent cross-breeding.1
How long does a Queen Arabesque Pleco live?
Lifespan varies widely depending on care, water quality, and diet. For a more precise estimate, ask a good breeder or an exotic-pet vet.
Can I handle a Queen Arabesque Pleco?
It is best not to handle this fish; it is a sensitive bottom-dweller that can be stressed by handling. Always use a container or net if you must move it.1
Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Furry Diary's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.
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Where this comes from
Every breed page shows where each fact comes from. If we got something wrong, sorry, we are pet people, not a science magazine. Tell us at support@furrydiary.app and we will fix it.
- Hypancistrus sp. (L260) - Seriously Fish seriouslyfish.comused for all fields
- VCA Animal Hospitals: Feeding times and frequency for your dog vcahospitals.comused for owner questions
- ASPCA: Dog grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions
- ASPCA: Cat grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions
- ASPCA: People foods to avoid feeding your pets aspca.orgused for owner questions
- RSPCA: What to feed your rabbit rspca.org.ukused for owner questions
Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.