* For the safety of our animals, we now ship live fish 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 *
The L333 King Tiger Pleco is one of the most visually striking Hypancistrus species in the hobby. Bold black striping over a golden-tan base creates a high-contrast “tiger” pattern that intensifies with maturity. Compact compared to many large plecos, Hypancistrus sp. L333 combines dramatic patterning with manageable adult size, making it ideal for well-structured medium to large aquariums.
Both Tank Bred and Collected variants are available, allowing aquarists to choose based on preference and availability.
• High-Contrast Tiger Striping: One of the boldest patterns in the Hypancistrus group.
• Manageable Size: Smaller adult size compared to many large plecos.
• Structured Behavior: Engages with caves and hardscape.
• Highly Sought-After L-Number: Popular among serious pleco enthusiasts.
• Temperature: 78°–84°F (26°–29°C)
• pH: 5.8–7.5
• KH: 1–8 dKH
• Minimum Tank Size: 40 gallons (larger recommended for adults or groups)
• Diet: Carnivorous-leaning omnivore; thrives on high-quality sinking pellets, protein-rich foods, and occasional frozen or live foods. Supplemental vegetable matter may be offered in moderation.
• Social Behavior: Generally peaceful but territorial toward other bottom-dwelling plecos in confined spaces.
• Community Tank Suitable: With Caution – Best with peaceful midwater species in structured aquariums.
• Shrimp Safe: Not Recommended – May consume shrimp, especially juveniles.
• Origin: See variant selection (Tank Bred or Collected – Brazil)
• Average Adult Size: 5–6 inches (12–15 cm)
• Average Purchase Size: 1.5–2.5 inches (3.8–6 cm)
Live Arrival Guarantee:
All Aquatic Arts brand plants and animals come with a 100% live arrival guarantee, plus free email support!
Hypancistrus species including L333 originate from river systems within Brazil’s Amazon basin. These environments typically feature warm water, moderate to strong current, submerged rock formations, and structured crevices. Replicating flow, oxygenation, and cave-like retreats is essential for long-term success.
Tank-bred specimens adapt readily to stable aquarium conditions, while collected specimens may initially prefer softer, slightly acidic water.
The L333 King Tiger Pleco thrives in structured, cave-oriented aquariums.
Use hardy plants attached to wood or rock such as Anubias, Java Fern, and Bolbitis. Avoid delicate rooted plants that may be disturbed.
Provide multiple secure caves, rock formations, and driftwood structures. Territory definition is important, particularly when keeping more than one pleco.
Aquatic Arts–branded botanicals such as Indian Almond Leaves and Catappa Bark can be used to add mild tannins and natural texture. While not required, they support ecosystem stability and microflora growth.
The L333 King Tiger Pleco is a carnivorous-leaning species that feeds primarily on invertebrates and protein-rich matter in the wild. In the aquarium, offer high-quality protein-based sinking pellets, supplemented with frozen foods such as bloodworms or brine shrimp.
While not a heavy wood-grazer, the presence of driftwood supports beneficial biofilm and microflora, contributing to digestive health and environmental enrichment.
Feed once daily in moderate portions to maintain body condition without excess waste.
Compatible with peaceful tetras, rasboras, larger community fish, and non-aggressive cichlids. Avoid housing multiple plecos together without sufficient territory. Not suitable for nano aquariums.
Not recommended for shrimp tanks. As a carnivorous-leaning species, L333 may prey upon shrimp, especially juveniles.
L333 is a cave-spawning species. Males guard eggs within enclosed cave structures. Successful breeding typically requires defined territories, stable parameters, and appropriate cave sizing.
How large does the L333 King Tiger Pleco grow?
The L333 King Tiger Pleco (Hypancistrus sp.) typically reaches 5–6 inches in length, making it more manageable than many larger pleco species.
Is the L333 King Tiger Pleco aggressive?
The L333 King Tiger Pleco is generally peaceful toward midwater species but may defend territory against other plecos.
Does the L333 King Tiger Pleco need caves?
Yes. The L333 King Tiger Pleco requires secure cave structures for comfort and territorial definition.
What does the L333 King Tiger Pleco eat?
The L333 King Tiger Pleco thrives on protein-rich sinking pellets and frozen foods such as bloodworms and brine shrimp.
Is driftwood necessary for L333?
Driftwood is beneficial as it supports biofilm growth and natural grazing behavior.
Can L333 live in a community tank?
Yes, when housed with peaceful species and provided adequate territory.
Are L333 plecos safe with shrimp?
L333 King Tiger Plecos are not recommended for shrimp aquariums.
What tank size is required for L333?
A minimum of 40 gallons is recommended, with larger aquariums preferred for multiple individuals.
Is L333 suitable for beginners?
L333 King Tiger Plecos are suitable for intermediate aquarists due to territorial and dietary considerations.
What is the difference between Tank Bred and Collected L333?
Tank-bred L333 plecos typically adapt quickly to aquarium conditions, while collected specimens may require softer water and gradual acclimation.
For the safety of our animals, we only ship live fish, crabs, and select other inverts exclusively via UPS 1 Day Air. If your order contains this item, you will only see UPS 1 Day Air as a shipping option during checkout. If other items are in your cart that can ship with 2 day or standard shipping options the only shipping method you can still select is UPS 1 Day Air.
UPS 1 Day is a description of the duration of time a shipment will spend in transit once it has been shipped. This does not guarantee the package will be shipped the same or next day from which the order was placed.
Shipping Schedule for this service
Current Handling Time:
1-9 business days
Here at Aquatic Arts, we consider the welfare of the live animals we are shipping to be of the foremost importance. This process is much more involved than simply creating a shipping label and affixing it to a box. Depending on the order, it takes from 4 to 7 people to complete this process properly. We check the weather conditions here where they fly out of the Indianapolis UPS facility and the destination for each shipment. We start early each morning and go through a multi-step process to have the day's shipments prepared in time for the UPS pickup. The volume of orders in our system also affects the processing time. Therefore our stated handling time is 1-9 business days.
Shipping Rate
Pricing is by size of package needed to fill entire order and distance it must travel. It will be calculated at checkout.
