Queen Arabesque Pleco – L260

L260 Queen Arabesque Pleco (Pseudolithoxus Anthrax)

The L260 Queen Arabesque Pleco, also known as Scribble Pleco, is a strikingly beautiful fish that is sure to be the centerpiece of any aquarium. This species is known for its intricate black and white pattern, which gives it its royal name. The Queen Arabesque Pleco is a relatively small species, with adults reaching a size of about 3 to 4 inches.

This fish is known for its peaceful nature, making it an excellent addition to a community tank. However, males can be territorial with each other in confined spaces, so it's best to keep only one male per tank. Ideal tank mates for the Queen Arabesque Pleco include other peaceful species that won't compete for food. Aggressive or fast-moving species are not recommended as they can outcompete the pleco for food. Housing them with large cichlids are not recommended as tank mates either since they may compete for the same piece of real estate.

The Queen Arabesque Pleco is a carnivore and prefers a diet of live and frozen foods such as bloodworms, brine shrimps, and daphnia. Some may even eat cichlid pellets as well as other sinking foods normally given to carnivorous bottom dwellers. They also accept tablets, especially those with a high percentage of Spirulina. Despite their carnivorous nature, they are not algae eaters.

In terms of habitat, the Queen Arabesque Pleco prefers an environment that simulates a flowing stream. The substrate should consist of variably-sized rocks, sand, and fine gravel, with water-worn boulders added for authenticity. The tank can be further furnished with driftwood branches, terracotta pipes, or pots to provide a network of hiding spots. The Queen Arabesque Pleco doesn't chew on driftwood, so any included in the tank would be purely for aesthetic purposes. Plants can also be kept in the tank as this species doesn't eat them.

The water parameters for the Queen Arabesque Pleco are specific. The minimum aquarium size should be 30 gallons, with a larger tank preferred for a community setup. The water should be kept clean with weekly changes of 30-50% of the tank volume. The pH should be between 6.5-7.5, and the hardness should be between 1-15 dGH. The temperature should be kept between 75-82°F (24-28°C).

The water should have a high level of dissolved oxygen and some movement, which can be achieved with power filters, additional powerheads, or airstones. Queen Arabesque Pleco's thrive best in aquariums that have been fully cycled and matured.

The Queen Arabesque Pleco is a beautiful, peaceful fish that requires specific care to thrive. This fish can be a wonderful addition to any aquarium with the right environment and diet.