L037 "Honeycomb Pleco"

Common Name: Honeycomb Pleco / L037
Scientific Name: Hypostomus faveolus
Native Region: Brazil – Rio Tocantins and Upper Rio Xingu Basins
Origin: Wild Caught
Adult Size: Approximately 8–10"
Temperament: Peaceful / Semi-territorial
Diet: Herbivore / Detritivore / Aufwuchs Grazer
Currently Feeding On: EBO Spirulina Tabs, EBO Spirulina Softgran, EBO Mussel Sticks
Swimming Level: Bottom
Recommended Group: 1+

The L037 Honeycomb Pleco is a beautiful and distinctive Brazilian pleco named for its unusual honeycomb-like pattern. Instead of traditional spots or stripes, the body is covered with pale, rounded markings outlined by darker lines, creating an intricate reticulated appearance. This pattern, combined with its heavily armored body and substantial adult size, makes L037 a particularly attractive choice for pleco enthusiasts.

Hypostomus faveolus is native to the Rio Tocantins basin and upper Rio Xingu basin of central Brazil. In the wild, it occurs in both faster rapids and slower-flowing sections of rivers, utilizing rocky and softer substrates. Juveniles may also be found in smaller streams and oxbow habitats. Its sucker mouth is well adapted for scraping algae, periphyton, and biofilm from rocks and wood.

L037 are generally peaceful toward appropriately sized community fish but can become territorial toward their own kind and other similarly shaped bottom dwellers. Their eventual size should be considered when planning tankmates. Providing multiple hiding areas, substantial driftwood, caves, and visual barriers allows individual fish to establish preferred territories and reduces competition. Mature males develop more pronounced odontodes, particularly around the pectoral spines and cheek plates.

Care Requirements

Temperature: 73–81°F
pH: 6.0–7.2
Tank Size: 75 gallons+
Water: Soft to moderately hard, clean and well-oxygenated
Group Size: 1+

L037 should be housed in a mature aquarium with strong biological filtration and plenty of oxygenation. Because adults become substantial fish and produce a considerable amount of waste, oversized filtration and regular water changes are highly recommended. Moderate current helps replicate their natural river environment while also providing additional oxygenation.

Provide plenty of sturdy driftwood, smooth rocks, and caves. Driftwood is particularly important for this species, providing grazing surfaces and contributing to the natural biofilm and organic material that forms part of its diet. Larger specimens can be surprisingly powerful, so rocks and other heavy decorations should be positioned securely.

L037 are primarily algae and biofilm grazers with a detritivorous component to their diet. In the aquarium, they readily accept spirulina and algae-based wafers, sinking herbivore foods, blanched vegetables, and other plant-based foods. Driftwood should remain continuously available. They will also accept occasional frozen and meaty foods, but the majority of their regular diet should remain plant-based.

Natural algae growth is beneficial but should not be relied upon as the sole source of nutrition. Regular supplemental feeding is especially important in clean, well-maintained aquariums where algae growth may be limited. Feeding after lights-out can encourage natural nocturnal and crepuscular activity.

L037 can be kept with a variety of peaceful medium-to-large community fish, including robust tetras, larger Corydoras, peaceful South American cichlids, and other river-oriented species. Multiple plecos can be maintained together in sufficiently large aquariums when there are plenty of caves, driftwood, and visual barriers, although individual territories should be respected.

Difficulty: Moderate
Breeding: Cave Spawner

L037 is a cave-spawning Hypostomus. Males defend suitable spawning cavities and provide parental care for the eggs and young. Several caves that are only slightly larger than the fish can be offered to encourage natural spawning behavior. Seasonal-style water changes and excellent conditioning may help trigger breeding.

Why We Like Them

• Striking honeycomb-patterned body

• Uncommon Brazilian L-number pleco

• Beautiful natural coloration and pattern

• Excellent algae, biofilm, and aufwuchs grazer

• Enjoys driftwood as part of its natural diet

• Peaceful with appropriately sized community fish

• Fascinating cave-spawning behavior

• Excellent choice for a large South American river-style aquarium

All livestock is carefully quarantined and monitored before being offered for sale at Saburai Aquatics.