L236 Cracked Zebra Pleco (Hypancistrus sp.) – Tank-Bred
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Species Overview
The Cracked Zebra Pleco (Hypancistrus sp. L236) is one of the most sought-after members of the Hypancistrus genus, admired for its intricate black-and-white pattern that resembles cracked porcelain or fractured zebra striping. Native to the Xingu River basin in Brazil, this beautiful dwarf pleco has become increasingly popular among aquarists who appreciate rare Loricariid catfish with distinctive markings, manageable adult sizes, and fascinating cave-spawning behavior. Every Cracked Zebra Pleco develops its own unique pattern, making each fish a truly one-of-a-kind addition to the aquarium.
Known for their peaceful temperament and relatively small adult size, Cracked Zebra Plecos thrive in mature aquariums with warm, highly oxygenated water, excellent filtration, and plenty of caves and driftwood. They spend much of the day tucked beneath cover before becoming increasingly active during the evening hours, grazing on biofilm and searching for meaty foods. Their calm disposition makes them an excellent choice for peaceful community aquariums and dedicated pleco collections alike.
Aquatic Arts is proud to offer tank-bred Cracked Zebra Plecos, including USA-bred specimens when available. Tank-bred fish are generally well adapted to aquarium life, helping hobbyists enjoy healthy, established fish while supporting the continued growth of captive breeding efforts. Whether you're purchasing your first L-number pleco or adding another rare Hypancistrus species to your collection, the Cracked Zebra Pleco offers exceptional beauty, personality, and long-term reward.
What We Love About L236 Cracked Zebra Plecos
- Beautiful maze-like black-and-white pattern that makes every L236 Cracked Zebra Pleco unique.
- Tank-bred fish that are well acclimated to aquarium life and help support sustainable captive breeding.
- Peaceful temperament that makes L236 Cracked Zebra Plecos excellent additions to carefully planned community aquariums.
- Manageable adult size compared to many larger pleco species.
- Fascinating cave-spawning behavior that has made the L236 Cracked Zebra Pleco a favorite among pleco breeders.
- Primarily nocturnal, becoming increasingly active during the evening as they forage for food.
- Excellent choice for dedicated Hypancistrus collections and South American aquarium displays.
- Long-lived fish that reward patient aquarists with years of enjoyment when provided proper care.
Scientific Name: Hypancistrus sp. L236
Common Name: L236 Cracked Zebra Pleco
Source: USA Bred or Tank-Bred (Varies by Selection)
Average Purchase Size: Approximately 1.5–2 inches (3.8–5 cm). Juvenile L236 Cracked Zebra Plecos adapt well to established aquariums and allow hobbyists to enjoy watching their pattern develop as they mature.
Average Adult Size: Approximately 4.5–5 inches (11–13 cm). L236 Cracked Zebra Plecos remain a manageable size, making them an excellent choice for aquarists seeking a rare pleco without the space requirements of many larger Loricariids.
Care Level: Moderate. L236 Cracked Zebra Plecos thrive in mature aquariums with excellent water quality, high dissolved oxygen, warm temperatures, and plenty of secure caves and hiding places.
Temperament: Peaceful. L236 Cracked Zebra Plecos are non-aggressive toward most community fish and other peaceful bottom dwellers but may establish territories around preferred caves, especially during breeding.
Diet: Omnivore with a Carnivorous Preference. Feed a varied diet of high-quality sinking carnivore pellets, Repashy gel foods, frozen foods, live foods, and occasional vegetable-based foods to support healthy growth and coloration.
Social Behavior: Solitary to Loose Groups. L236 Cracked Zebra Plecos can be kept individually or in groups when sufficient caves and territory are provided. Multiple individuals generally coexist well when competition for shelter is minimized.
Activity Level: Mostly Nocturnal. L236 Cracked Zebra Plecos spend much of the day inside caves or beneath driftwood before becoming increasingly active during the evening and overnight hours.
Aquarium Level: Bottom Dweller. L236 Cracked Zebra Plecos spend nearly all of their time exploring caves, driftwood, and rocky structures along the aquarium floor.
Minimum Aquarium Size: 30 Gallons. A mature aquarium with abundant hiding places and stable water quality is more important than tank size alone, although larger aquariums are recommended for groups or breeding projects.
Lifespan: Approximately 10–15 Years with proper care, making the L236 Cracked Zebra Pleco a rewarding long-term addition to a peaceful freshwater aquarium.
Recommended Water Parameters & Aquarium Requirements
L236 Cracked Zebra Plecos originate from warm, fast-flowing South American rivers where the water is exceptionally clean, highly oxygenated, and rich in dissolved minerals. Replicating these stable conditions is one of the most important factors in successfully keeping and breeding this beautiful Hypancistrus species. Excellent filtration, strong oxygenation, and consistent maintenance are more important than chasing exact water parameters.
Water Parameters
Temperature: 80–86°F (27–30°C). L236 Cracked Zebra Plecos thrive in warmer water that closely resembles their native habitat and supports healthy metabolism and breeding activity.
pH: 6.2–7.4. Slightly acidic to neutral water is ideal, although stability is more important than achieving a specific pH.
General Hardness (GH): 2–10 dGH. Soft to moderately hard water closely reflects the mineral content found throughout much of their natural range.
Carbonate Hardness (KH): 1–5 dKH. Moderate buffering helps maintain stable water chemistry without excessive hardness.
Ammonia: 0 ppm. Ammonia is highly toxic and should never be detectable in a healthy aquarium.
Nitrite: 0 ppm. Nitrite should always remain undetectable.
Nitrate: Below 20 ppm (under 10 ppm preferred). Regular water changes help maintain excellent water quality and encourage healthy long-term growth and breeding.
Aquarium Requirements
Minimum Aquarium Size: 30 Gallons. A mature aquarium is suitable for a single L236 Cracked Zebra Pleco, while larger aquariums provide additional territory for multiple fish or breeding groups.
Filtration: High-quality biological filtration with strong water movement. L236 Cracked Zebra Plecos naturally inhabit highly oxygenated rivers and benefit from excellent circulation and clean water.
Water Flow: Moderate to Strong. Good current helps increase dissolved oxygen while recreating the river environments these plecos naturally inhabit.
Oxygenation: High. Additional surface agitation or air stones are beneficial, especially in warmer aquariums where oxygen levels naturally decrease.
Aquarium Maturity: A well-established aquarium is strongly recommended. Mature biological filtration and stable water chemistry are essential for the long-term health of L236 Cracked Zebra Plecos.
Hiding Places: Provide multiple caves and secure shelters. Ceramic breeding caves, slate caves, rock crevices, and driftwood allow L236 Cracked Zebra Plecos to establish territories, reduce stress, and encourage natural behavior.
Lighting: Low to Moderate. Bright lighting is acceptable when broken up with driftwood, caves, and shaded areas that allow the fish to retreat during the day.
Aquatic Arts Tip
L236 Cracked Zebra Plecos are far more sensitive to declining water quality than many common plecos. Clean, highly oxygenated water, abundant caves, and consistent weekly maintenance will do more for their long-term health and breeding success than constantly adjusting water chemistry. Focus on stability, excellent filtration, and providing numerous secure hiding places, and these beautiful plecos will reward you with natural behaviors and vibrant condition.
Origin: Xingu River Basin, Brazil.
The L236 Cracked Zebra Pleco (Hypancistrus sp. L236) is native to the Xingu River basin in northern Brazil, one of the world's most famous river systems for rare Loricariid catfish. This region is home to numerous L-number plecos that have evolved to occupy specific stretches of fast-flowing, rocky waterways. The L236 Cracked Zebra Pleco shares many characteristics with these specialized riverine species, including a streamlined body, strong fins for maintaining position in current, and a preference for shelter among rock formations.
The Xingu River is renowned for its crystal-clear water, extensive rock fields, and powerful currents that create an oxygen-rich environment. Rather than living in heavily vegetated floodplains, L236 Cracked Zebra Plecos spend much of their lives hidden within narrow rock crevices and caves, emerging primarily during low-light periods to forage for aquatic invertebrates and other protein-rich foods. This habitat has shaped the calm but territorial nature of the species, particularly around preferred hiding places and breeding caves.
Although the construction of hydroelectric dams has altered portions of the Xingu River, captive breeding efforts have become increasingly important in preserving this remarkable species within the aquarium hobby. Today, tank-bred and USA-bred L236 Cracked Zebra Plecos allow aquarists to enjoy one of South America's most beautiful plecos while helping reduce demand for wild-collected specimens.
Designing an aquarium for the L236 Cracked Zebra Pleco is about recreating the rocky, fast-flowing river habitats of Brazil's Xingu River basin. Rather than heavily planted aquariums, this species thrives in an environment dominated by stone, wood, and numerous secure caves. The goal is to provide excellent water movement, abundant hiding places, and open areas for foraging while allowing the striking black-and-white pattern of the L236 Cracked Zebra Pleco to stand out.
Pleco Caves: Ceramic pleco caves, slate caves, and stacked rock caves are essential because L236 Cracked Zebra Plecos naturally seek out tight crevices for shelter and breeding. Providing multiple caves also reduces territorial disputes when keeping more than one individual.
Rockwork: Rounded river stones, slate, and stacked rock formations recreate the natural habitat while creating numerous shaded retreats and grazing surfaces for biofilm.
Driftwood: Spider Wood, Malaysian Driftwood, and Mopani Wood provide additional shelter, natural structure, and surfaces where biofilm develops for supplemental grazing.
Aquatic Plants: Although not required, hardy plants such as Anubias, Java Fern, Bucephalandra, and Bolbitis can be attached to wood and rock without taking away valuable swimming and cave space. These species tolerate the warm, well-oxygenated conditions preferred by L236 Cracked Zebra Plecos.
Substrate: Fine gravel, smooth river gravel, or coarse sand closely resembles their natural environment while allowing easy maintenance around caves and rockwork.
Botanicals: A light scattering of Indian Almond Leaves, Magnolia Leaves, or Alder Cones can add a natural appearance and encourage biofilm development without covering the rocky habitat this species naturally prefers.
Water Movement: Position powerheads or filter returns to create steady circulation throughout the aquarium. L236 Cracked Zebra Plecos naturally inhabit oxygen-rich rivers where constant water movement is part of their daily environment.
Aquascaping Style: A Xingu River-inspired aquascape featuring rock formations, driftwood, pleco caves, scattered botanicals, and attached plants creates an attractive display while encouraging natural behavior.
Aquatic Arts Tip
Think of the aquarium as a rocky underwater canyon rather than a lush planted aquarium. The most successful setups provide more caves than fish, excellent water movement, and plenty of surfaces for natural grazing. When L236 Cracked Zebra Plecos feel secure, they become more confident, display better coloration, and are more likely to exhibit their fascinating natural behaviors—including spawning in caves under the right conditions.
The L236 Cracked Zebra Pleco is an omnivore with a strong carnivorous preference. Unlike many common plecos that consume significant amounts of algae and plant material, L236 Cracked Zebra Plecos naturally feed on aquatic insect larvae, small crustaceans, worms, biofilm, and other protein-rich foods found among the rocks of the Xingu River. While they may occasionally graze on biofilm, they should not be purchased as an algae-control fish. A varied, protein-rich diet is essential for maintaining healthy growth, vibrant coloration, and long-term health.
Staple Diet: High-quality sinking carnivore pellets should form the foundation of the diet. Premium foods designed for carnivorous plecos provide balanced nutrition while encouraging natural bottom-feeding behavior.
Frozen Foods: Frozen Bloodworms, Mysis Shrimp, Brine Shrimp, Cyclops, and finely chopped shrimp provide excellent dietary variety and help maintain healthy body condition.
Live Foods: Live Blackworms, Live Bloodworms, Live Daphnia, and other appropriately sized live foods provide enrichment while encouraging natural foraging behaviors and conditioning breeding fish.
Gel Foods: Repashy Bottom Scratcher, Repashy Spawn & Grow, and Repashy Grub Pie are excellent supplemental foods that closely match the nutritional needs of carnivorous Hypancistrus plecos.
Vegetable Matter: While L236 Cracked Zebra Plecos do not require large amounts of plant material, occasional offerings of spirulina-based foods or quality omnivore pellets help provide dietary balance.
Feeding Schedule: Feed once or twice daily, with one feeding taking place during the evening when L236 Cracked Zebra Plecos become naturally more active. Remove uneaten food to maintain excellent water quality.
Biofilm: Allow natural biofilm to develop on driftwood, rocks, and botanicals. Although biofilm is not their primary food source, L236 Cracked Zebra Plecos frequently graze on these surfaces between regular feedings.
Diet Variety: Rotating prepared, frozen, live, and gel foods provides a broader nutritional profile while encouraging natural feeding behaviors and supporting long-term health.
Aquatic Arts Tip
One of the most common mistakes new pleco keepers make is assuming all plecos primarily eat algae. L236 Cracked Zebra Plecos are specialized carnivorous plecos that thrive on protein-rich foods rather than algae alone. A varied diet combined with excellent water quality is one of the most important factors in maintaining healthy fish, encouraging breeding behavior, and preserving the striking contrast that makes this species so desirable.
The L236 Cracked Zebra Pleco is a peaceful bottom-dwelling fish that coexists well with many similarly sized, non-aggressive freshwater species. Because it spends much of the day inside caves or beneath driftwood before becoming more active in the evening, it rarely competes with midwater or surface-dwelling fish. The best tank mates are peaceful species that appreciate warm, well-oxygenated water and are unlikely to harass the pleco or compete for its preferred hiding places.
Excellent Tank Mates
Peaceful Tetras: Cardinal Tetras, Rummy Nose Tetras, Lemon Tetras, Emperor Tetras, and other peaceful schooling species occupy the middle of the aquarium while leaving the bottom largely undisturbed.
Corydoras Catfish: Corydoras make excellent companions because they peacefully forage along the substrate without aggressively defending caves or territories.
Peaceful Dwarf Cichlids: Apistogramma, Mikrogeophagus Rams, and other peaceful dwarf cichlids generally coexist well provided each species has its own territory.
Peaceful Angelfish: Angelfish occupy the middle and upper portions of the aquarium and make attractive companions in larger, warm-water community aquariums.
Discus: The warm temperatures preferred by Discus closely match the needs of L236 Cracked Zebra Plecos, making them excellent companions in well-maintained aquariums.
Hatchetfish: Surface-dwelling Hatchetfish occupy a completely different area of the aquarium, creating activity without disturbing the pleco.
Rainbowfish: Many Rainbowfish thrive under similar water conditions while occupying the middle and upper water column.
Peaceful Gouramis: Pearl Gouramis, Moonlight Gouramis, and other peaceful species generally coexist well with L236 Cracked Zebra Plecos.
Other Hypancistrus Plecos: Multiple L236 Cracked Zebra Plecos or compatible Hypancistrus species can often be maintained together when the aquarium provides numerous caves so each fish can establish its own territory.
Species to Avoid
Large Aggressive Cichlids: Oscars, Jaguar Cichlids, Red Devils, and other aggressive species may harass or injure L236 Cracked Zebra Plecos while competing for territory.
Large Predatory Fish: Arowanas, Peacock Bass, large Catfish, and other predators may view juvenile L236 Cracked Zebra Plecos as food.
Highly Territorial Bottom Dwellers: Large Plecos or aggressive bottom-dwelling fish that monopolize caves may stress L236 Cracked Zebra Plecos and prevent normal feeding behavior.
Fin-Nipping Fish: Tiger Barbs and other persistent fin nippers may disturb L236 Cracked Zebra Plecos as they emerge from their shelters.
Community Aquarium Tips
Provide significantly more caves than plecos whenever keeping multiple bottom-dwelling species. Multiple hiding places allow each fish to establish a preferred territory, reducing competition and encouraging more confident natural behavior. Although L236 Cracked Zebra Plecos are peaceful, they appreciate having a secure retreat that they can call their own.
Aquatic Arts Tip
The key to successfully keeping L236 Cracked Zebra Plecos is thinking vertically as well as horizontally. Peaceful fish that occupy the upper and middle portions of the aquarium naturally complement this bottom-dwelling species, while plenty of caves and broken lines of sight help maintain harmony among multiple plecos. When every fish has its own space, the entire aquarium becomes more active and enjoyable to observe.
Shrimp Safe: Yes, With Adult Shrimp
The L236 Cracked Zebra Pleco is generally considered one of the safer pleco species to keep alongside freshwater shrimp. Although L236 Cracked Zebra Plecos naturally consume aquatic invertebrates and other protein-rich foods, they spend most of their time grazing, exploring caves, and searching for prepared foods rather than actively hunting healthy adult shrimp.
Adult Neocaridina Shrimp, Caridina Shrimp, Amano Shrimp, Bamboo Shrimp, and Vampire Shrimp typically coexist well with L236 Cracked Zebra Plecos in established aquariums. Their peaceful temperament and bottom-dwelling lifestyle make direct interactions with adult shrimp uncommon.
As with nearly every community fish, very small shrimplets may occasionally disappear, particularly if they wander into open feeding areas or newly hatched shrimp venture too far from cover. Providing dense mosses, fine-leaved plants, driftwood, botanicals, and abundant biofilm greatly improves juvenile shrimp survival while creating a healthier, more natural aquarium ecosystem for both species.
Aquatic Arts Tip
If your goal is to establish a thriving shrimp colony, incorporate plenty of natural hiding places such as Java Moss, Subwassertang, Cholla Wood, Indian Almond Leaves, and Shrimp Botanicals. These features provide excellent refuge for young shrimp while allowing L236 Cracked Zebra Plecos and adult shrimp to peacefully share the same aquarium.
Breeding Difficulty: Moderate to Advanced
Reproduction: Cave-Spawning Egg Layer
The L236 Cracked Zebra Pleco is a cave-spawning species that has been successfully bred by experienced aquarists, making it one of the more attainable rare Hypancistrus species for dedicated pleco breeders. Mature males establish and defend caves, where they court females prior to spawning. Once the eggs are laid inside the cave, the male remains with the clutch, fanning the eggs with fresh, oxygen-rich water and protecting them until they hatch.
Successful breeding is most often achieved in mature aquariums with exceptionally clean, highly oxygenated water, warm temperatures, abundant caves, and a varied protein-rich diet. Conditioning breeding groups with high-quality prepared foods, frozen foods, live foods, and regular water changes often helps encourage spawning behavior. Providing multiple caves of appropriate size allows breeding pairs to establish territories while reducing competition between males.
Juvenile L236 Cracked Zebra Plecos benefit from frequent feedings of appropriately sized prepared foods, live foods, and frozen foods while maintaining excellent water quality. Patience is essential, as this species grows relatively slowly and may require several years to reach sexual maturity.
Aquatic Arts Tip
One of the biggest secrets to breeding L236 Cracked Zebra Plecos is providing more suitable caves than plecos. Multiple cave options allow males to establish territories naturally while giving females the opportunity to choose suitable spawning sites. Combined with pristine water quality, excellent oxygenation, and a varied protein-rich diet, this approach gives hobbyists the best opportunity to observe one of the aquarium hobby's most rewarding breeding behaviors.
How large do L236 Cracked Zebra Plecos get?
L236 Cracked Zebra Plecos typically reach an adult size of approximately 4.5 to 5 inches (11–13 cm). Their relatively small adult size makes them an excellent choice for aquarists seeking a rare pleco without the space requirements of many larger Loricariid species.
How long do L236 Cracked Zebra Plecos live?
With excellent water quality, a varied diet, and proper long-term care, L236 Cracked Zebra Plecos commonly live 10 to 15 years, making them a rewarding long-term addition to a freshwater aquarium.
Are L236 Cracked Zebra Plecos good beginner plecos?
L236 Cracked Zebra Plecos are best suited for intermediate to advanced aquarists. Although peaceful and relatively hardy in established aquariums, they require warm, highly oxygenated water, excellent filtration, and consistently stable water quality.
Are L236 Cracked Zebra Plecos aggressive?
No. L236 Cracked Zebra Plecos are peaceful fish that coexist well with most community species. They may become territorial around caves, particularly mature males during breeding, but they rarely show aggression toward unrelated tank mates.
Can L236 Cracked Zebra Plecos live together?
Yes. Multiple L236 Cracked Zebra Plecos can be successfully maintained together when the aquarium provides enough space and significantly more caves than fish. This allows each pleco to establish its own territory while reducing competition.
Do L236 Cracked Zebra Plecos eat algae?
L236 Cracked Zebra Plecos may graze on biofilm and small amounts of algae, but they should not be considered algae-eating fish. Unlike many common plecos, L236 Cracked Zebra Plecos require a protein-rich diet consisting of quality sinking foods, frozen foods, live foods, and other meaty offerings.
What do L236 Cracked Zebra Plecos eat?
L236 Cracked Zebra Plecos thrive on a varied diet that includes high-quality sinking carnivore pellets, Repashy gel foods, frozen Bloodworms, Mysis Shrimp, Brine Shrimp, Live Blackworms, and other protein-rich foods. Offering dietary variety helps support healthy growth, breeding condition, and vibrant coloration.
Do L236 Cracked Zebra Plecos need driftwood?
Yes. Driftwood provides natural shelter, surfaces for biofilm growth, and additional structure that helps L236 Cracked Zebra Plecos feel secure. Spider Wood, Malaysian Driftwood, and Mopani Wood are all excellent choices.
Do L236 Cracked Zebra Plecos need caves?
Absolutely. Caves are one of the most important features in an aquarium housing L236 Cracked Zebra Plecos. They use caves for security, resting, establishing territories, and breeding. Providing multiple caves helps reduce stress and encourages natural behavior.
Can L236 Cracked Zebra Plecos be bred in captivity?
Yes. L236 Cracked Zebra Plecos have been successfully bred by experienced aquarists. Mature males guard eggs inside caves until they hatch, making this species one of the more rewarding Hypancistrus plecos for dedicated breeders.
Are L236 Cracked Zebra Plecos nocturnal?
Yes. L236 Cracked Zebra Plecos are primarily nocturnal and become most active during the evening and overnight hours. As they become comfortable in their aquarium, they may also emerge during the day, particularly around feeding time.
Can L236 Cracked Zebra Plecos live with shrimp?
Yes. Adult Neocaridina Shrimp, Caridina Shrimp, Amano Shrimp, Bamboo Shrimp, and Vampire Shrimp generally coexist well with L236 Cracked Zebra Plecos. Very small shrimplets may occasionally be eaten, so dense mosses, botanicals, and other hiding places are recommended if breeding shrimp is the goal.
Can L236 Cracked Zebra Plecos live with Corydoras?
Yes. Corydoras Catfish are among the best companions for L236 Cracked Zebra Plecos. Both species are peaceful bottom dwellers that generally coexist well in mature aquariums with ample space and hiding places.
Can L236 Cracked Zebra Plecos live with Angelfish?
Yes. Peaceful Angelfish make excellent tank mates because they occupy the middle and upper portions of the aquarium while L236 Cracked Zebra Plecos spend most of their time along the bottom.
Why are L236 Cracked Zebra Plecos so expensive?
L236 Cracked Zebra Plecos command higher prices because they grow slowly, require several years to reach breeding age, produce relatively small spawns, and remain in high demand among pleco enthusiasts. Tank-bred and USA-bred specimens also reflect the significant time and care required to raise healthy juveniles.
What makes L236 Cracked Zebra Plecos different from L046 Zebra Plecos?
Although both species belong to the Hypancistrus genus and share striking black-and-white coloration, L236 Cracked Zebra Plecos display highly variable maze-like patterns, while L046 Zebra Plecos have bold, well-defined stripes. L236 Cracked Zebra Plecos are also available in several bloodlines and pattern grades, making every fish unique.
Would Aquatic Arts recommend L236 Cracked Zebra Plecos?
Yes. L236 Cracked Zebra Plecos are an outstanding choice for aquarists looking to add a rare, peaceful, and beautifully patterned pleco to their aquarium. With excellent water quality, abundant caves, and a varied protein-rich diet, they reward hobbyists with fascinating natural behaviors and years of enjoyment.
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.
We stand behind the health and quality of every fish we offer. Each L236 Cracked Zebra Pleco is carefully quarantined, observed, and conditioned before shipment to help ensure it arrives healthy, active, and ready to thrive in its new aquarium.
Every fish order ships in our Aquatic Arts Live Arrival Guarantee Box at no additional charge. Each shipment is professionally packed using insulated packaging and weather-appropriate heat or cold packs when necessary to help maintain safe temperatures throughout transit.
Although L236 Cracked Zebra Plecos are hardy once established, they can be sensitive to poor water quality and sudden changes in water chemistry during the acclimation period. A fully cycled aquarium, excellent oxygenation, stable water parameters, and plenty of secure hiding places will help reduce stress and give your new pleco the best opportunity to settle in successfully. Following the care recommendations provided on this page will help your L236 Cracked Zebra Pleco thrive for many years.
Every L236 Cracked Zebra Pleco is backed by our 100% Live Arrival Guarantee. If your fish arrive with any issues, please complete our DOA Claim Form as soon as possible and include all required photographs and order information. This allows our Customer Support Team to review your claim and provide the fastest possible resolution.
You can access the DOA Claim Form here:
https://aquaticarts.com/pages/doa-claim
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Best Fishes,
The Aquatic Arts Team