🦋 Atabapo Butterfly Pleco (Dekeyseria picta, L052)
🦋 Atabapo Butterfly Pleco (Dekeyseria picta, L052)
Reticulated • Peaceful • Rare
📋 The Atabapo Butterfly Pleco (Dekeyseria picta, L052) is a stunning small-to-medium pleco with a bold black-and-gold reticulated pattern that resembles butterfly wings. Native to the blackwater Río Atabapo in Venezuela, it thrives in soft, acidic, and tannin-rich waters.
Unlike many larger plecos, the Atabapo Butterfly Pleco stays relatively small (around 5–6 inches) and is peaceful, making it ideal for planted and community aquariums. It is active but shy, enjoying driftwood and caves for hiding. Its unique pattern and manageable size make it a favorite among pleco enthusiasts.
💡 Highlights
🦋 Butterfly Pattern – Bold black & gold markings
🌿 Algae Grazer – Eats veggies & biofilm
🐟 Peaceful Pleco – Community friendly
✅ Compact Size – Stays under 6 inches
💎 Rare Collector’s Fish – L-number pleco
🧾 A Quick Look at the Atabapo Butterfly Pleco (L052)
📛 Common Name: Atabapo Butterfly Pleco
🔬 Scientific Name: Dekeyseria picta (L052)
👨👩👧 Family: Loricariidae
🌍 Origin: Venezuela – Río Atabapo
📏 Max Size: 12 – 15 cm (5 – 6")
💧 pH Range: 5.5 – 7.2
🌡️ Temperature Range: 25 – 29°C (77 – 84°F)
🧠 Care Level: Intermediate
💖 Temperament: Peaceful, community safe
🏠 Min Tank Size: 100 L (30+ US gallons)
📌 Tank Level: Bottom dweller
🧬 Captive Bred: ❌ No
🌿 Wild Caught: ✅ Yes
⏳ Lifespan: 8 – 10 years
🍽️ Diet: Omnivore – algae, vegetables, protein foods
🐣 Reproduction: Rare in aquariums

















