Brazil Butterfly Pleco (L168)
Brazil Butterfly Pleco (L168)
Brazil Butterfly Pleco (L168) (Dekeyseria brachyura) is a flattened, wide-bodied loricariid — the butterfly body shape with wide pectoral fins allows it to cling to rocks in fast current. Dark body with pale spotting.
Feeding & Care Tip: Hikari Mini Algae Wafers and Hikari Sinking Wafers make excellent staples. Supplement with Hikari Frozen or Freeze-Dried Bloodworms and blanched vegetables. Provide caves for shelter. Good filtration and regular water changes important.
Specialist loricariid from South American river systems. Requires appropriate cave shelter, good water quality, and regular feeding.
Singly or in pairs. Cave spawner with male brood care in most species. Peaceful with most tankmates.
A rewarding collector pleco for experienced loricariid enthusiasts.
Care & Ideal Parameters
| Difficulty | Moderate |
| Temperament | Peaceful — specialist loricariid |
| Typical Adult Size | 4.5 inches (11 cm) |
| Min. Group Size | Singly or pair |
| Ideal Temp | 78–84°F (26–29°C) |
| Ideal pH | 6.0–7.5 |
| Ideal GH | 2–12 dGH |
| Ideal KH | 0–5 dKH |
| Staple Food | Hikari Mini Algae Wafers; Hikari Sinking Wafers |
| Treat / Supplement | Hikari Frozen or Freeze-Dried Bloodworms; blanched vegetables |
| Origin | Rio Negro, Brazil |
| Notes | L168. Dekeyseria — butterfly flat body for fast water. Rio Negro. Requires current and well-oxygenated water. |