Tiger Butterfly Pleco L168
Live Fish
Shipping & Returns
All live fish are shipped using NZPost overnight services with authority to leave (no signature).
We cannot guarantee the overnight services, this is a service that we/you pay for; but is not guaranteed.
We DO NOT offer returns on any alive animal.
Above are key points of our policy, Click Here to read our full shipping policy.
Dead On Arrival (DOA) Cover*
- DOA must be reported within 2 hours of delivery.
- Bags must remain sealed (do not remove rubber band or tape)
- Photos & Videos must be supplied this can be emailed or sent through live chat; including your order No. (minimum 3 clear images, showing dead fish & sealed bag)
- DOA does not apply once the bags are opened & fish have been released.
- DOA does not apply to any Rural (RD) address.
Introducing New Fish
Follow these steps to minimize stress and ensure a smooth transition for your new fish!
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Float the Bag: Place the sealed bag containing the new fish in the tank. This equalizes the temperature between bag and tank water.
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Open and Add Tank Water Gradually: After about 5 minutes, open the bag and add a small amount of aquarium water into it every 5 minutes for 15–30 minutes. This helps the fish acclimate to the tank’s water chemistry.
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Wait 15–30 Minutes: Let the fish adjust to the water temperature and chemistry gradually in the bag.
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Release Fish: Gently release the fish into the tank without pouring the original bag water in.
Tiger Butterfly Pleco L168
The Tiger Butterfly Pleco, also known as L168, is a visually striking species of catfish from the Loricariidae family. With its vibrant striping and peaceful nature, it's a popular choice for aquarists who want a beautiful yet functional bottom-dweller in their freshwater setup.
Identification & Appearance
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Scientific Name: Dekeyseria brachyura
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Common Names: Tiger Butterfly Pleco, L168 Pleco, False Zebra Pleco
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L-number: L168 (closely resembles L052, but they are likely the same species or a regional variation)
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Origin: Rio Negro Basin, Brazil
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Size: Up to 5.5–6 inches (14–15 cm)
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Coloration: Alternating black and cream-yellow stripes that run horizontally along the body, resembling tiger markings. Juveniles can have sharper contrast, which may fade slightly with age.
Tank Requirements
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Minimum Tank Size: 113 liters for an adult
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Water Temperature: 24–28°C
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pH Range: 5.5–7.0 (acidic to slightly neutral)
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Water Hardness: Soft to moderately hard
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Tank Setup:
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Provide hiding spots using driftwood, caves, and rockwork.
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Dim lighting or heavily planted tanks help replicate its natural, shaded habitat.
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Gentle to moderate flow mimics the slow-moving tributaries of the Amazon
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