{"product_id":"l066-xingu-king-tiger-pleco-hypancistrus-seideli","title":"L066 Xingu King Tiger Pleco (Hypancistrus seideli)","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #ff0000;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e* For the safety of our animals, we now ship \u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003elive fish\u003c\/span\u003e exclusively via UPS Next Day Air.  If your order contains this item, you will only see UPS Next Day Air as a shipping option during checkout *\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003e\n\u0026lt;\u0026gt;\n\u003ch2 style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOverview\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003eThe \u003cstrong\u003eL066 King Tiger Pleco (Hypancistrus seideli)\u003c\/strong\u003e is a striking and highly sought-after species from Brazil’s \u003cstrong\u003eRio Xingu\u003c\/strong\u003e, famous for its black-and-white striping and elegant, compact form. Unlike most plecos that graze primarily on algae, this species thrives on a \u003cstrong\u003eprotein-based diet\u003c\/strong\u003e and prefers shaded, fast-flowing habitats.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003eA perfect fit for aquarists who enjoy natural river-style aquascapes, this peaceful bottom dweller brings authentic South American character to any aquarium setup.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u0026lt;\u0026gt;\n\u003ch2 style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat We Love About This Fish:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003e• \u003cstrong\u003eDistinctive Patterning:\u003c\/strong\u003e Beautiful black and white banding that varies from fish to fish.\u003cbr\u003e• \u003cstrong\u003eCompact Size:\u003c\/strong\u003e Averages 6 – 8 cm at purchase, making it well-suited to most community tanks.\u003cbr\u003e• \u003cstrong\u003ePeaceful \u0026amp; Reserved:\u003c\/strong\u003e Non-aggressive, ideal for planted aquariums.\u003cbr\u003e• \u003cstrong\u003eTrue River Behavior:\u003c\/strong\u003e Nocturnal by nature and enjoys resting in caves or under driftwood.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u0026lt;\u0026gt;\n\u003ch2 style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNatural Habitat:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003eThe \u003cstrong\u003eL066 King Tiger Pleco\u003c\/strong\u003e originates from the \u003cstrong\u003eRio Xingu\u003c\/strong\u003e, a clear and powerful tributary of the Amazon River in northern Brazil. The Xingu’s underwater landscape is a mosaic of \u003cstrong\u003erocky outcrops, driftwood branches, and sandy channels\u003c\/strong\u003e, with strong water flow and high oxygen levels.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003eDuring the \u003cstrong\u003ewet season\u003c\/strong\u003e, the river floods the forest edge, carrying leaf litter and wood debris that enrich the water with tannins. In the \u003cstrong\u003edry season\u003c\/strong\u003e, the current intensifies, and the plecos shelter among rocks and driftwood, where they feed on meaty particles and biofilm.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003eIn the aquarium, they remain \u003cstrong\u003enocturnal or crepuscular\u003c\/strong\u003e, resting during daylight hours. Providing \u003cstrong\u003eample hiding spots\u003c\/strong\u003e—such as caves, tunnels, and driftwood—helps them feel secure and encourages natural behavior.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u0026lt;\u0026gt;\n\u003ch2 style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAquascaping:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003e• \u003cstrong\u003ePlants:\u003c\/strong\u003e Hardy species such as \u003cstrong\u003eAnubias\u003c\/strong\u003e, \u003cstrong\u003eJava Fern\u003c\/strong\u003e, and \u003cstrong\u003eAmazon Sword\u003c\/strong\u003e that attach easily to rock or wood.\u003cbr\u003e• \u003cstrong\u003eHardscape:\u003c\/strong\u003e Combine \u003cstrong\u003esmooth river stones, driftwood, and slate caves\u003c\/strong\u003e to create shaded areas and natural boundaries.\u003cbr\u003e• \u003cstrong\u003eBotanicals:\u003c\/strong\u003e Include \u003cstrong\u003eIndian Almond Leaves, Casuarina Pods, or Catappa Bark\u003c\/strong\u003e from the \u003cem\u003eAquatic Arts Botanical Combo Pack\u003c\/em\u003e to simulate blackwater conditions, add tannins, and promote beneficial biofilm.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u0026lt;\u0026gt;\n\u003ch2 style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDiet and Feeding:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003eThe \u003cstrong\u003eL066 King Tiger Pleco\u003c\/strong\u003e is a \u003cstrong\u003ecarnivorous\u003c\/strong\u003e species that benefits from a \u003cstrong\u003ehigh-protein diet\u003c\/strong\u003e with minimal plant matter.\u003cbr\u003eFeed a combination of:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSinking carnivore pellets or wafers\u003c\/strong\u003e designed for bottom dwellers.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFrozen or live foods\u003c\/strong\u003e such as bloodworms, brine shrimp, and blackworms.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOccasional blanched vegetables\u003c\/strong\u003e like spinach or peas for dietary variety.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003eFeed primarily after lights-out to align with their natural nocturnal feeding rhythm. While they may nibble on biofilm, \u003cstrong\u003ethey will not clean your tank\u003c\/strong\u003e—regular aquarium maintenance remains essential.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u0026lt;\u0026gt;\n\u003ch2 style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTank Mates and Compatibility:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003eA peaceful species that thrives alongside \u003cstrong\u003etetras, rasboras, dwarf cichlids, Corydoras, and shrimp\u003c\/strong\u003e. Avoid large, aggressive, or highly territorial bottom dwellers.\u003cbr\u003eWhen keeping more than one pleco, ensure the tank includes \u003cstrong\u003emultiple caves and shaded areas\u003c\/strong\u003e to define territory and prevent stress.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u0026lt;\u0026gt;\n\u003ch2 style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eShrimp Compatibility:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003eThis species is \u003cstrong\u003ecompatible with most freshwater shrimp\u003c\/strong\u003e. Adult shrimp are typically ignored, though tiny fry may be disturbed while the pleco forages.\u003cbr\u003eProviding \u003cstrong\u003edense plant cover, moss, or leaf litter\u003c\/strong\u003e ensures shrimp colonies remain safe and active.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u0026lt;\u0026gt;\n\u003ch2 style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBreeding:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003eBreeding occurs in \u003cstrong\u003etight-fitting caves or tubes\u003c\/strong\u003e, where males guard the eggs until hatching.\u003cbr\u003eMaintain \u003cstrong\u003estable, warm, oxygen-rich water\u003c\/strong\u003e and offer a \u003cstrong\u003ehigh-protein diet\u003c\/strong\u003e to promote spawning behavior.\u003cbr\u003eFry feed on \u003cstrong\u003ebiofilm and fine foods\u003c\/strong\u003e like crushed pellets or baby brine shrimp after becoming free-swimming.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u0026lt;\u0026gt;\n\u003ch2 style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRecommended Tank Parameters:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003e• \u003cstrong\u003eTemperature:\u003c\/strong\u003e 78° - 84° F (25° - 29° C)\u003cbr\u003e• \u003cstrong\u003epH:\u003c\/strong\u003e 6.5 - 7.5\u003cbr\u003e• \u003cstrong\u003eKH:\u003c\/strong\u003e 2 - 8 dKH\u003cbr\u003e• \u003cstrong\u003eMinimum Tank Size:\u003c\/strong\u003e 30 gallons\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u0026lt;\u0026gt;\n\u003ch2 style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCare Guidelines:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003e• \u003cstrong\u003eDiet:\u003c\/strong\u003e Carnivorous; prefers protein-rich foods with occasional vegetable matter.\u003cbr\u003e• \u003cstrong\u003eSocial Behavior:\u003c\/strong\u003e Peaceful bottom-dweller; mildly territorial toward similar species.\u003cbr\u003e• \u003cstrong\u003eActivity Level:\u003c\/strong\u003e Primarily nocturnal; prefers dim lighting and shaded cover.\u003cbr\u003e• \u003cstrong\u003eOrigin:\u003c\/strong\u003e Wild-caught from the Rio Xingu, Brazil.\u003cbr\u003e• \u003cstrong\u003eAverage Adult Size:\u003c\/strong\u003e 10 – 12 cm (4 – 5 inches)\u003cbr\u003e• \u003cstrong\u003eAverage Purchase Size:\u003c\/strong\u003e 6 – 8 cm (2.5 – 3 inches)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLive Arrival Guarantee:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003eAll Aquatic Arts brand animals are covered by our \u003cstrong\u003e100% Live Arrival Guarantee\u003c\/strong\u003e, plus \u003cstrong\u003efree email support\u003c\/strong\u003e from our aquatics experts.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u0026lt;\u0026gt;\n\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Aquatic Arts","offers":[{"title":"1 Pleco","offer_id":49069547323545,"sku":"cwm1790041775363","price":43.54,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"3 Plecos","offer_id":49069547356313,"sku":"acn1790041775364","price":136.31,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0726\/5995\/9961\/files\/l066-xingu-king-tiger-pleco-hypancistrus-seideli_1.jpg?v=1790041779","url":"https:\/\/sweatcladk.shop\/products\/l066-xingu-king-tiger-pleco-hypancistrus-seideli","provider":"My Store","version":"1.0","type":"link"}