September 15

Sarah Robertson

A New Queen Arabesque Pleco in Your Tank: How to Care for Its Unique Need so

The Queen Arabesque Pleco (L260) is a beautiful, freshwater fish that originates from the rivers of Rio Tapajos in Brazil and South America. This pleco is also known as the Queen Arabesque Suckerfish and is a member of the Loricariidae family. If you’re looking for a pleco that is both stunning and relatively easy to care for, the Queen Arabesque Pleco is a great choice!

Providing the right environment is key to the longterm health and longevity of your Queen Arabesque Pleco—up to 10 years! This species needs a roomy aquarium with lots of hiding spots, such as crevices or caves. Additionally, be sure to invest in a suitable filtration system and practice regular water changes for optimal well-being.

In this guide, you’ll learn more about the Queen Arabesque Pleco and its care requirements, diet, and tank mates. By following this information, you can ensure that your pleco lives a long and healthy life in your aquarium.

Queen Arabesque Pleco Care Table 

  • Scientific Name: Hypancistrus L260
  • Diet: Carnivore
  • Care Level: Easy
  • Compatibility: Peaceful
  • Ph: 6.4 - 7.6
  • Temperature: 73.4-82.4°F
  • Water hardness: 6 - 10 dKH
  • Minimum Tank Size: 25-30 gallons
  • Tankmates: Other peaceful fish like Danios, Guppies, Mollies, Platies, Swordtails, Tetras
  • Size: 3-3.5 inches
  • Life expectancy: 10 years

Queen Arabesque Pleco Origin 

The Queen Arabesque Pleco is a South American fish native to Rio Tapajos, Brazil, where there is enough current and oxygen in the water. However, they may be cultivated without causing damage in captivity and are readily available in fish stores.

As a result, purchasing captive-bred Queen Arabesque Pleco s is the most reliable approach to ensure that you aren't contributing to the demise of wild populations. These are fascinating fish that would be a wonderful addition to your aquarium's tank mixing list.

Queen Arabesque Pleco Size

The Queen Arabesque Pleco (Panaque sp.) is a tiny fish that reaches 3-3.5 inches in length when mature. The maximum size of pleco fish is determined by a variety of factors, including the quality of care, nutrition, and genetics.

Queen Arabesque Pleco Lifespan

The average lifespan of a Queen Arabesque Pleco is 10 years. However, in most cases, they will live much shorter lives in captivity. The main reason for this is improper care and a lack of knowledge about their needs.

The lifespan of a Queen Arabesque Pleco can be increased by providing them with the proper diet, clean water, and a stress-free environment.

Queen Arabesque Pleco Behavior

The Queen Arabesque Pleco is a docile species and is recognized for its quiet and solitary nature. These beautiful fish are sociable with other species, but the male can become aggressive toward individuals from the same genus. This mainly happens when they are defending their territory or during mating season.

The majority of the time, Queen Arabesque Pleco are nocturnal, however, they may become active during the day after being exposed to an aquarium that contains a lot of driftwood, rockwork, and other hiding places.

Queen Arabesque Pleco Appearance

Queen Arabesque Pleco Appearance

The Queen Arabesque Pleco, like Zebra Plecos, has black and white maze-like patterns on its body. These lines help the pleco camouflage itself among the plants and driftwood in its natural habitat. The belly of the Queen Arabesque Pleco is typically a cream color.

They have barbels on their mouth that help them find food in the water and on the tank bottom. Because of the black and white squiggly lines that cover their entire length, Queen Arabesque Plecos are often known as "scribble plecos."

In terms of size, adult Queen Arabesque Plecos can reach up to 3.5 inches in length. This makes them one of the smaller species of plecos.

Gender Differences

  • The interopercular, pectoral odontodes of males are somewhat larger and longer than those of females.
  • The majority of the males in this genus have a marble belly (completely or halfway), but females have all white bellies.
  • Males also tend to be more slender than females and have a longer genital papilla.

Queen Arabesque Pleco Tank Setup

The process of obtaining and setting up a Queen Arabesque Pleco tank is simple. They're a low-maintenance species that thrive in an aquarium with lots of hiding places. If you're a novice aquarist, follow these suggestions for creating the ideal Queen Arabesque Pleco tank:

Tank Size 

The ideal tank size for a Queen Arabesque Pleco is a 25-30 gallons gallon tank. A bigger tank, on the other hand, is always preferable as it provides more space for the pleco to move around and helps maintain water quality.

If you are planning on keeping more than one Queen Arabesque Pleco, you will need to increase the size of your tank accordingly. For every additional pleco, add 5 gallons to the size of your tank.

Tank Water Parameters

The Queen Arabesque Pleco has no special requirements regarding water quality. They may survive in a wide range of pH levels and temperatures. To guarantee their safety, they need the appropriate care and setup, however. The Queen Arabesque Pleco thrives at a temperature range of 73.4-82.4°F, with a pH level of 6.5-7.5, and a hardness of 6 - 10 dGH. Nitrates and ammonia should be at 0 ppm.

To maintain the quality of your tank's water, do a weekly water change of at least 10-15% to ensure that it remains constant. There should not be any significant changes in the water parameters of your tank as this can lead to stress and illness in your Queen Arabesque Pleco.

Tank Decor 

It is rather simple to decorate a Queen Arabesque Pleco tank. They're not picky and will endure a range of conditions. Following are some ideas for creating the ideal Queen Arabesque Pleco tank:

  • Caves: The fish's comfort depends on cave systems since they prefer to rest there during the day. To provide a hiding place for your pleco, use driftwood, rocks, or other materials. However, make sure whatever you use is aquarium-safe. It must not have any sharp edges that could injure your pleco.
  • Live plants: Queen Arabesque Plecos prefer tanks with live plants as they provide hiding places and help regulate the water quality of the tank. These Fish species are not known to eat live plants, so you don't have to worry about them damaging your plants. Java fern, anubias, amazon sword plants, and cryptocoryne are all good options to consider. Make sure the plants you pick aren't poisonous to your Queen Arabesque Pleco!
  • Artificial plants: If you don't want to deal with live plants, you can use artificial plants instead. Be sure to choose plants that are made of soft plastic or fabric so your pleco doesn't get hurt.
  • Substrate: The substrate is another important element of your fish's environment. A smooth gravel or sand surface is best since your fish's lovely barbs will not be harmed. Make sure the substance you choose is suitable for your fish and doesn't give them any discomfort.
  • Filter: A filter is a must-have for any aquarium, and the Queen Arabesque Pleco tank is no exception. The sort of filter you'll require will be determined by the size of your tank. A canister or hang-on-back filter should be enough. Make sure it's suitable for your aquarium size and has adjustable flow control if possible.
  • Lighting: Queen Arabesque Plecos require little to no lighting because they are a nocturnal species. A standard fluorescent tube light will suffice. Be careful to choose one suitable for aquariums and has a built-in timer. This will allow you to maintain a regular day/night cycle for your fish.
Queen Arabesque Pleco Fish

Queen Arabesque Pleco Fish Tank mates

Queen Arabesque Plecos are peaceful fish that gets along with most other fish. They are not known to be aggressive, and they will do well with other peaceful community fish. Some good tank mates for Queen Arabesque Plecos include:

  • Corydoras catfish
  • Bristlenose plecos
  • Danios
  • Guppies
  • Mollies
  • Platies
  • Swordtails
  • Tetras
  • Certain shrimp species like Vampire Shrimp, Dwarf Shrimps
  • Large Amano
  • Ornamental Snails

The Queen Arabesque Pleco is not compatible with fin nippers or other aggressive fish. They will also not do well with fish that are too small as they might be eaten by mistake. It's best to avoid keeping Queen Arabesque Plecos with smaller fish species. The males of this species can also be territorial with each other, so it's best to keep only one male per tank.

When choosing tank mates for your Queen Arabesque Pleco, make sure they have similar care requirements. This will make it easier to maintain the water quality of your tank and keep everyone happy and healthy.

Some not-so-compatible tank mates for Queen Arabesque Plecos include:

  • Bettas
  • Goldfish
  • Cichlids
  • Shrimps
  • Oscars
  • Anything that nips fins

Queen Arabesque Pleco Diet 

The diet of the Queen Arabesque Pleco is mainly carnivorous even though they are known to eat some plant matter. They mostly feed on small crustaceans and insects in the wild. In captivity, they can be fed a variety of foods including:

  • Pellets: Sinking pellets are the best option for plecos as they can be a little lazy when it comes to feeding time. Be sure to choose a high-quality pellet food that is designed for carnivores.
  • Flakes: You can also give your pleco flake food, but make sure it sinks to the bottom of the tank. Some plecos are known to be fussy eaters, so you might have to experiment with different types of food before you find one they like.
  • Algae wafers: Algae wafers are another good option for plecos. They help to keep your pleco's teeth healthy and can be a good source of vegetarian nutrition.
  • Frozen/live food: Frozen or live food is another great option for plecos. This includes foods like bloodworms, brine shrimp, and daphnia. Live food is the best option if you can find it, but frozen food will do in a pinch.

There are some tips to keep in mind when feeding your Queen Arabesque Pleco:

  • Queen Arabesque Plecos are known to be messy eaters, so make sure you have a good aquarium vacuum on hand.
  • Feed your pleco small amounts several times a day rather than one large meal.
  • Remove any uneaten food from the tank after a few minutes to prevent pollution.
  • Do not feed live food more than 2-3 times a week as it can lead to obesity.
Queen Arabesque Pleco Diseases

Queen Arabesque Pleco Diseases 

Queen Arabesque Plecos are relatively hardy species, but they are still susceptible to a number of diseases. The most common diseases that affect this popular fish include:

  • Hole in the Head (HITH): This is a disease that is caused by poor water quality and diet. Symptoms include small holes appearing in the head and body, lethargy, and a loss of appetite. If left untreated, HITH can be fatal.
  • White Spot Disease: This is a disease that is caused by a parasite. Symptoms include white spots on the body, lethargy, and a loss of appetite. If you think your Queen Arabesque Pleco has this disease, raise the temperature of the water. It may be treated with antibiotics as well.
  • Dropsy: This is a disease that is caused by poor water quality. Symptoms include bloating, lethargy, and a loss of appetite. If left untreated, dropsy can be fatal. To cure dropsy, antibiotics and anti-inflammatory drugs might be used.
  • Columnaris: This is a disease that is caused by bacteria. Symptoms include white patches on the body, lethargy, and loss of appetite. If left untreated, columnaris can be fatal. To treat columnaris, antibiotics might be used.
  • Fin rot: This is a disease that is caused by bacteria. The ailment causes the fins to expand or contract. Symptoms include frayed or rotting fins, lethargy, and a loss of appetite. Fin rot may be prevented using a variety of medicines, some of which target the infection.
  • Velvet disease: This is a disease that is caused by a parasite. Symptoms include a yellowish tint to the fish (gold dust-like skin discoloration), lethargy, and a loss of appetite. If left untreated, velvet disease can be dangerous. If you think your Queen Arabesque Plecos has velvet disease, quarantine it as soon as possible to prevent its spread and treat it by raising the water temperature and by using an anti-parasitic medicine.
  • Swim Bladder Disease: This is a disease that affects the swim bladder, which controls the fish's ability to float. Symptoms include listlessness, loss of appetite, and trouble swimming. If your pleco has swim bladder disease, starve it for two to three days. Offer your tiny fish meals on a daily basis after the fast. If identified early enough, medication may be used to cure it; otherwise, it is deadly if left untreated.

Symptoms

There are a number of symptoms that indicate that your Queen Arabesque Pleco is sick. The following are the most common:

  • Lethargy
  • Gasping for air
  • Loss of appetite
  • Floating upside down
  • White patches on the body
  • Abnormal swimming behavior
  • Sores or holes on the head

If you detect any of these indicators, quickly remove the fish to minimize the illness from spreading to other fish in the tank.

Preventions

Preventing sickness rather than treating it is always preferable. As a result, it's critical to follow a few safety measures in order for your Queen Arabesque Pleco to stay healthy and disease-free. You may accomplish the following:

  • Keep the tank clean and in good condition. Water changes and keeping the tank clean are both ways to keep it that way.
  • Quarantine new fish for at least a few days before adding them to your aquarium.
  • To keep your pleco healthy, offer it a varied diet.
  • In the aquarium, provide lots of hiding places for your pleco.
  • Verify the aquarium water parameters regularly.
  • Keep an eye out for warning signs of illness and act as soon as possible.

Treatment 

Even if your Queen Arabesque Pleco is ill, there are a number of procedures you may try to cure it. The most common treatment choices are as follows:

  • Water changes may be used to help eliminate pollutants from the water and relieve the fish's suffering.
  • A proper diet may help the pleco recover from an illness.
  • Antibiotics are frequently used to cure bacterial infections.
  • Anti-inflammatory drugs can be used to treat a range of diseases, including fin rot and Dropsy.
  • Add aquarium salt to the water to help relieve the fish's symptoms and make it harder for parasites to survive.
  • Raise the water temperature to help the fish fight off infections.

It's critical to follow the prescription instructions and quarantine the fish while treating your Queen Arabesque Pleco for disease to prevent the infection from spreading.

Queen Arabesque Pleco Breeding

Breeding Queen Arabesque Plecos is a difficult task not often accomplished by beginner aquarists. However, if you're up for the challenge, here is what you need to know.

  • Choose a pair of Queen Arabesque Pleco that is healthy.
    It is important to select the fishes that are around the same size. It is always preferable to pair two females with every male if you want to increase the likelihood of spawning. Also, double-check that they're all in the same age group. The male has a deeper, clearer color pattern, is somewhat darker in color, and has longer odontodes and more bristles on its pectoral spines. You may either keep the breeding pairs in a single tank or divide them into separate tanks.
  • Set up a breeding tank
    In order to breed these fishes, you will need a special tank with a minimum tank size of 30 gallons. The tank should include a sponge filter and several hiding spaces. Driftwood, rocks, and vegetation are all excellent choices. Water temperature, pH, and hardness should all be tested prior to adding the fish to the breeding tank. The ideal water parameters for breeding Queen Arabesque Plecos are as follows:
    pH: 6.5-7.0
    Water hardness: 5-15 dGH
    Water temperature: 75-82 degrees Fahrenheit
    When setting up the breeding tank, it is best to use reverse osmosis water or dechlorinated tap water. Be sure to add a conditioner to the water in order to remove any harmful toxins.
  • Condition the fish
    Before you can breed your Queen Arabesque Plecos, you must first prepare them. This implies providing a high-quality diet and making sure the water in their tank is clean and of good quality. Feed them live or frozen foods including bloodworms, brine shrimp, and daphnia. Feeding them live foods will aid with the probability of successful breeding. Changing the temperature is another way to help condition your fish for breeding. You should raise the water temperature to 86°F for two weeks and then lower it back down to 84°F. Warmer water helps trigger spawning.
  • Trigger spawning
    When the female is ready to spawn, the male will begin to chase her around the tank. He will also brush up against her and nudge her with his nose. The female will then lay a string of eggs on a smooth surface in the tank, typically on a rock or piece of driftwood. After she has laid her eggs, the male will fertilize them. Both may rest for a few days to ensure that the eggs are properly cared for. The female is removed later on and the male is left to care for the eggs until they hatch, which takes about 7-10 days.
  • Hatching and Raising the Queen Arabesque Pleco Fry
    The eggs hatch after about a week, and the fry is extremely small and delicate. They must be fed live foods such as baby brine shrimp or microworms. It is important to not overfeed them, as this can lead to pollution and serious health problems. Check the water current and water flow regularly and maintain it appropriately. After about a month, the fry should be large enough to eat adult foods. Once they reach this point, you can begin to wean them off of live foods. Perform water changes regularly to keep the tank clean and free of harmful toxins.

Frequent Questions

How big do Queen Arabesque plecos get

How big do Queen Arabesque plecos get? 

The average length of a female Arabianesque pleco is around 3-3.5 inches. In captivity, though, achieving this goal requires a significant amount of hard work because they are generally only 3 inches in size.

What do Queen Arabesque plecos eat?

The diet of a Queen Arabesque Pleco should consist of both live and frozen foods. Bloodworms, brine shrimp, and daphnia are all excellent choices. Feeding them live foods will aid with the probability of successful breeding.

How do you breed Queen Arabesque?

In order to breed, these fishes, select fishes of good quality and health. Once the fish are selected, you will need a special tank. It is critical to create a breeding tank that is at least 30 gallons in size. The tank should include a sponge filter and several hiding spaces.

Driftwood, rocks, and vegetation are all excellent choices. Water temperature, pH, and hardness should all be tested prior to adding the fish to the breeding tank. Condition the fish by feeding them live or frozen foods including bloodworms, brine shrimp, and daphnia. Changing the temperature is another way to help condition your fish for breeding. You should raise the water temperature to 86°F for two weeks and then lower it back down to 84°F.

The female will then lay a string of eggs on a smooth surface in the tank, typically on a rock or piece of driftwood. After she has laid her eggs, the male will fertilize them. Both may rest for a few days to ensure that the eggs are properly cared for. The female is removed later on and the male is left to care for the eggs until they hatch, which takes about 7-10 days.

Do Queen Arabesque Pleco clean your tank? 

Queen Arabesque plecos are known for their scavenging abilities and will help to keep your tank clean. They will eat leftover food, algae, and detritus. It is important to provide them with a varied diet, however, as they may not get all the nutrients they need from scavenging alone.

Do Queen Arabesque Pleco like sand or gravel? 

These peaceful species prefer tanks with sand or gravel substrates. While selecting a substrate, make sure that it is not too large or too small. It should be just the right size so that the pleco can easily move around and bury itself if it wants to.

What is the lifespan of a Queen Arabesque Pleco? 

The average lifespan of a Queen Arabesque pleco is 10 years. However, with proper care and tank maintenance, they can live even longer. Clean water, a varied diet, and plenty of hiding places are all important factors in ensuring a long and healthy life for your Queen Arabesque pleco.

How often should I feed my Queen Arabesque Pleco? 

Queen Arabesque plecos should be fed 2-3 times a day. They are known to be voracious eaters and will quickly consume all the food in their tank if given the chance. It is important to not overfeed them, as this can lead to health problems.

Conclusions 

The Queen Arabesque Pleco is a lovely aquarium fish that might be kept with little effort. They are peaceful and suitable tankmates for other community aquarium inhabitants. However, the males can sometimes be territorial with their own species.

They are not fussy eaters and will readily accept most foods. With a lifespan of 10 years, the Queen Arabesque Pleco is a great addition to any aquarium. These fish species are known for their hardy nature and easy care. They are also excellent at keeping your tank clean. If you are looking for a pleco that is both beautiful and low-maintenance, the Queen Arabesque Pleco is a perfect choice!

Sarah Robertson


I am a passionate blogger who also happens to be a fish keeping enthusiast. Writing about my hobby is something that I absolutely love to do, and it's no secret that my chosen topic is always centered around fish keeping.

Sarah Robertson

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