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Dekeyseria brachyura
Care guide, husbandry, breeding, disease, and sourcing intelligence on Butterfly Pleco (L-168) - written by the Fast Aquatics editorial team.
Butterfly Pleco (L-168) requires a minimum of 30 gallons for healthy adults. The minimum is based on 5 inches adult size and territorial range. Plan a tank sized for adult footprint, HOB or canister filter rated 4-6x volume, dechlorinated water, appropriate temperature heater, and stocking-appropriate hardscape.
The Butterfly Pleco is rated intermediate difficulty on this care sheet. It needs a tank of at least 30 gallons. Adults reach about 5 inches and live 8-10 years. Butterfly Pleco (Dekeyseria brachyura) is a intermediate-care freshwater species that thrives in tanks of 30 gallons or larger with stable parameters. Best paired with peaceful tankmates of similar size and water-chemistry needs.
Butterfly Pleco (L-168) reaches 5 inches at adulthood with a captive lifespan of 8-10 years with proper care. The minimum is based on 5 inches adult size and territorial range. Plan a tank sized for adult footprint, HOB or canister filter rated 4-6x volume, dechlorinated water, appropriate temperature heater, and stocking-appropriate hardscape.
Butterfly Pleco (L-168) is susceptible to standard freshwater diseases (ich, columnaris, fin rot, bacterial infections). Quarantine new Butterfly Pleco (L-168) for 4 weeks before adding to display. Butterfly Pleco (L-168) prefers freshwater parameters: temperature 74-80°F, pH 6.5-7.5, GH 4-12 dGH, KH 3-8 dKH, ammonia + nitrite 0 ppm, nitrate under 20 ppm. Use dechlorinator on every water change.
Other species in the same category with care profiles on Fast Aquatics. Click any name for the full husbandry breakdown.
Butterfly Pleco taxonomy and care recommendations cross-checked against the following authoritative references and our internal vendor + breeder database.
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