Fishician®Diet
Carnivore/Omnivore – sinking pellets, frozen bloodworms, brine shrimp, cucumber; little algae
Aquarium species profile
L333 Yellow King Tiger Pleco
Hypancistrus sp. L333 · South America (Brazil — lower Xingu River)
Minimum tank30 gal
Adult size5"
Care levelModerate
TemperamentPeaceful
Temperature79–86°F
pH range6.0–7.5
Compatible tank mates
Small-to-medium community fish, tetras, small cichlids; one per tank or large tank with multiple
Tank mates to avoid
Highly aggressive fish, other territorial plecos in small tanks
Care notes
Striking yellow and black tiger stripe pattern — one of the most sought-after L-number plecos. Closely related to the Zebra Pleco. Needs warm, well-oxygenated water with good flow. Cave spawner — males guard eggs in caves. Primarily carnivorous unlike most plecos. Threatened in wild (Belo Monte Dam). Captive-bred preferable.
Check the whole aquarium. Tank size alone does not establish compatibility. Confirm adult size, water overlap, social grouping, territory, diet, and the individual animals before stocking.