The L260, commonly known as the Queen Arabesque Pleco, is a popular species of pleco due to its striking black and white pattern. It's part of the Loricariidae family, and its "L" number designation is used for cataloging Loricariid catfish species that are either undescribed or not formally classified.

Key Information about L260:

Scientific Name:

• Hypancistrus sp. L260

Common Name:

• Queen Arabesque Pleco

Origin:

• Native to the Rio Tapajós in Brazil, South America.

Size:

• The L260 typically grows to about 8–10 cm (3–4 inches) in length, making it one of the smaller pleco species.

Lifespan:

• They can live for around 8–10 years with proper care.

Appearance:

• Known for its beautiful, intricate black and white striping that creates an "Arabesque" pattern, making it a very attractive addition to aquariums.

Tank Requirements:

• Tank Size: A minimum of 60 liters (15 gallons), though larger is always better.
• Water Conditions:
  • Temperature: 26–30°C (79–86°F)
  • pH: 5.5–7.0 (slightly acidic to neutral)
  • Hardness: 2–10 dGH (soft to moderately hard water)
• Substrate: A soft, sandy substrate is ideal to mimic their natural environment.
• Decorations: L260 plecos enjoy hiding spots, so providing caves, driftwood, and rocks will make them feel more secure.

Diet:

• L260 are omnivores with a preference for a protein-based diet. In the wild, they feed primarily on insects and other small invertebrates. In captivity, they can be fed:
  • Sinking pellets or wafers designed for carnivorous plecos
  • Frozen or live foods such as bloodworms, brine shrimp, or daphnia
  • Occasional fresh vegetables like zucchini, cucumber, or peas

Behavior and Temperament:

• Generally peaceful and can be kept in community tanks, but they might become territorial with other bottom dwellers, particularly other plecos, especially if there’s competition for hiding spots or food.
• They are nocturnal and more active during the evening or night.

Breeding:

• Breeding L260 plecos can be challenging, but it’s possible with the right conditions. They are cave spawners, meaning they prefer a secluded cave for the female to lay eggs.
  • To encourage breeding, provide plenty of caves or pipes and slightly raise the water temperature while ensuring high-quality water conditions.
  • Males guard the eggs until they hatch, usually in about 7–10 days.

Compatibility:

• Compatible with other peaceful fish, such as tetras, rasboras, or dwarf cichlids. Avoid keeping them with aggressive species or larger, more territorial plecos.

Summary:

The L260 Queen Arabesque Pleco is a stunning, relatively small pleco that’s ideal for aquarists looking for a beautiful, peaceful, and hardy species. They thrive in well-maintained tanks with soft water, plenty of hiding spots, and a varied, protein-rich diet.