{"product_id":"l037-honeycomb-pleco","title":"L037 \"Honeycomb Pleco\"","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCommon Name:\u003c\/strong\u003e Honeycomb Pleco \/ L037\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eScientific Name:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cem\u003eHypostomus faveolus\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNative Region:\u003c\/strong\u003e Brazil – Rio Tocantins and Upper Rio Xingu Basins\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin:\u003c\/strong\u003e Wild Caught\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAdult Size:\u003c\/strong\u003e Approximately 8–10\"\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTemperament:\u003c\/strong\u003e Peaceful \/ Semi-territorial\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDiet:\u003c\/strong\u003e Herbivore \/ Detritivore \/ Aufwuchs Grazer\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCurrently Feeding On:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/saburaiaquatics.com\/collections\/dry-goods\/products\/ebo-spirulina-tabs\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"\u003eEBO Spirulina Tabs\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/saburaiaquatics.com\/collections\/dry-goods\/products\/ebo-spirulina-supersoft\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"\u003eEBO Spirulina Softgran\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/saburaiaquatics.com\/collections\/dry-goods\/products\/ebo-mussel-sticks\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"\u003eEBO Mussel Sticks\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSwimming Level:\u003c\/strong\u003e Bottom\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRecommended Group:\u003c\/strong\u003e 1+\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eHypostomus faveolus\u003c\/em\u003e 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eL037 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eCare Requirements\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTemperature:\u003c\/strong\u003e 73–81°F\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003epH:\u003c\/strong\u003e 6.0–7.2\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTank Size:\u003c\/strong\u003e 75 gallons+\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWater:\u003c\/strong\u003e Soft to moderately hard, clean and well-oxygenated\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGroup Size:\u003c\/strong\u003e 1+\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eL037 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eProvide 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eL037 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNatural 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eL037 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDifficulty:\u003c\/strong\u003e Moderate\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBreeding:\u003c\/strong\u003e Cave Spawner\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eL037 is a cave-spawning \u003cem\u003eHypostomus\u003c\/em\u003e. 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWhy We Like Them\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eStriking honeycomb-patterned body\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUncommon Brazilian L-number pleco\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBeautiful natural coloration and pattern\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eExcellent algae, biofilm, and aufwuchs grazer\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEnjoys driftwood as part of its natural diet\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePeaceful with appropriately sized community fish\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFascinating cave-spawning behavior\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eExcellent choice for a large South American river-style aquarium\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eAll livestock is carefully quarantined and monitored before being offered for sale at Saburai Aquatics.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Saburai Aquatics","offers":[{"title":"Small - 1-2\"","offer_id":48998468386969,"sku":null,"price":39.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"Medium - 3-4\"","offer_id":48998468419737,"sku":null,"price":49.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Large - 5-6\"","offer_id":48998468452505,"sku":null,"price":64.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"XL - 7\"+","offer_id":48998468485273,"sku":null,"price":79.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0401\/1026\/0377\/files\/PIC_COMING_SOON_19878d86-1258-43aa-a2ef-f862bd61f841.png?v=1748739876","url":"https:\/\/saburaiaquatics.com\/products\/l037-honeycomb-pleco","provider":"Saburai Aquatics","version":"1.0","type":"link"}