🦋 Butterfly Pleco (Dekeyseria brachyura, L168)
🦋 Butterfly Pleco (Dekeyseria brachyura, L168)
Reticulated • Peaceful • Small
📋 The Butterfly Pleco (Dekeyseria brachyura, L168) is a small, beautifully patterned pleco with a bold black-and-cream reticulated pattern that resembles butterfly wings when viewed from above. Native to the Rio Negro Basin in Brazil, this species thrives in blackwater aquariums with driftwood and hiding caves.
Reaching only 5–6 inches, it is peaceful, hardy, and perfectly suited for community and planted aquariums. Unlike many larger plecos, it is manageable in size, making it a great choice for hobbyists seeking a unique, patterned L-number pleco.
💡 Highlights
🦋 Butterfly Pattern – Black & cream reticulated body
🌿 Omnivore Diet – Eats algae, wafers & protein foods
🐟 Small Pleco – Only 5–6 inches
✅ Community Friendly – Peaceful in aquariums
💎 Collector’s Pleco – Unique and rare
🧾 A Quick Look at the Butterfly Pleco (L168)
📛 Common Name: Butterfly Pleco, Flunder Pleco
🔬 Scientific Name: Dekeyseria brachyura (L168)
👨👩👧 Family: Loricariidae
🌍 Origin: Brazil – Rio Negro Basin
📏 Max Size: 12 – 15 cm (5 – 6")
💧 pH Range: 5.5 – 7.2
🌡️ Temperature Range: 25 – 30°C (77 – 86°F)
🧠 Care Level: Intermediate
💖 Temperament: Peaceful, community safe
🏠 Min Tank Size: 120 L (30+ US gallons)
📌 Tank Level: Bottom dweller
🧬 Captive Bred: ❌ No
🌿 Wild Caught: ✅ Yes
⏳ Lifespan: 8 – 10 years
🍽️ Diet: Omnivore – algae, wafers, vegetables, protein foods
🐣 Reproduction: Rare in aquariums
