Butterfly Pleco (L168)
Dekeyseria brachyura
A strikingly patterned, flat-bodied plecostomus known for its ability to change color to match its surroundings (often alternating between light and dark bands). Native to the Rio Negro basin, it is a highly capable algae eater that requires well-oxygenated water with good flow. It is generally peaceful but can be territorial over favored caves.
Butterfly Pleco (L168) At a Glance
Butterfly Pleco (L168) Tank Requirements
Will Butterfly Pleco (L168) fit in your tank?
Care guides tell you what Butterfly Pleco (L168) needs, the next question is whether your tank can safely provide it. Test Butterfly Pleco (L168) against your tank size, maintenance needs, and the fish you already keep before you buy.
Butterfly Pleco (L168) Water Parameters
Butterfly Pleco (L168) Temperament & Compatibility
Butterfly Pleco (L168) Varieties
Each variety inherits the species defaults above. Only differences are highlighted.
Standard
The standard L168 Butterfly Pleco. Being nocturnal, it will spend most of the day hiding under driftwood or clinging to smooth stones. Ensure adequate hiding spots to prevent stress.
Same care requirements as the base species
Also known as: L168 Pleco, Butterfly Pleco, Wild Type
Butterfly Pleco (L168) Care Guide Summary
The Butterfly Pleco (L168), scientifically known as Dekeyseria brachyura, belongs to the Catfish family group. Adults reach a maximum size of approximately 15 cm and have a depressed body shape with a moderate growth rate. Classified as peaceful, this species primarily occupies the bottom zone of the aquarium and produces a extreme level of biological waste.
To thrive, the Butterfly Pleco (L168) requires a freshwater only aquarium with a minimum volume of 115 litres and a tank length of at least 80 cm. Water temperature should be maintained between 25°C and 28°C, with a pH range of 5.5–7 and a general hardness of 2–10 dGH. A high water flow is preferred.
The Butterfly Pleco (L168) is a rewarding species to keep, provided its core environmental needs are met. The Butterfly Pleco (L168) is typically available in one standard form.
Butterfly Pleco (L168) Habitat Setup
When setting up an aquarium for the Butterfly Pleco (L168), a high water flow best suits their natural preferences. Because this species occupies the bottom zone, the aquarium layout should prioritise sufficient floor space with hiding spots among rocks, wood, or dense planting. Useful additions include smooth gravel or rounded substrate to protect their sensitive barbels and driftwood, which can serve as both a hiding place and a dietary supplement.
Butterfly Pleco (L168) Compatibility Notes
Classified as peaceful, the Butterfly Pleco (L168) is adaptable and can be kept singly or in a small group, offering flexibility when planning a community tank. When choosing tankmates, territorial behaviour may cause issues if hiding spots or floor space are limited and boisterous or fast-moving tankmates may cause this species undue stress. Selecting tankmates that favour different water layers from the bottom zone can help reduce competition and territorial overlap.
Who Butterfly Pleco (L168) Is Actually For
Butterfly Pleco (L168) is best for a fishkeeper who wants a species that can settle into a calmer community setup and can provide someone who understands its individual space requirements. It makes the most sense for a hobbyist who will actually build around its needs, especially driftwood.
The most common mistake is buying Butterfly Pleco (L168) for looks first and only later discovering how its adult size, behavior, or bioload changes the whole tank plan. Another frequent problem is forcing it into an over-busy community when it would do better with more room or more deliberate tankmate choices.
Butterfly Pleco (L168) Recommended Tank Sizes
Standard aquarium sizes that meet the minimum volume and length requirements for Butterfly Pleco (L168).
40 Gallon Breeder
55 Gallon Standard
60 Gallon Breeder
75 Gallon Standard
90 Gallon Standard
125 Gallon Standard
Show 10 more tank sizes
Frequently Asked Questions About Butterfly Pleco (L168)
How big does Butterfly Pleco (L168) get?
Butterfly Pleco (L168) (Dekeyseria brachyura) typically reaches a maximum adult size of approximately 15 cm. They have a depressed body shape and a moderate growth rate.
What tank size does Butterfly Pleco (L168) need?
A minimum aquarium volume of 115 litres and a tank length of at least 80 cm are recommended for Butterfly Pleco (L168). This ensures enough swimming space and helps maintain stable water conditions.
What water parameters does Butterfly Pleco (L168) need?
Butterfly Pleco (L168) thrives in freshwater only conditions with a temperature range of 25–28°C, a pH between 5.5 and 7, and a general hardness of 2–10 dGH. A high water flow is preferred.
Is Butterfly Pleco (L168) peaceful or aggressive?
Butterfly Pleco (L168) is classified as peaceful with an aggression score of 2 out of 10. They are generally well-suited to peaceful community tanks.
Can Butterfly Pleco (L168) live alone?
Yes, Butterfly Pleco (L168) can be kept singly or in a group. They are flexible and adapt well to both setups.
Does Butterfly Pleco (L168) have any special tank requirements?
Yes. Butterfly Pleco (L168) benefits from driftwood (digestion/hiding) and smooth gravel (sensitive barbels) in the aquarium. These features help replicate their natural habitat and promote overall health and well-being.
Useful setup supplies
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Guidarium Editorial Desk
Reviewed against Guidarium care, stocking, and compatibility standards. Read the editorial policy.
- Last reviewed
- May 3, 2026
- Last updated
- May 3, 2026
- Issues or corrections?
- Contact the editorial team
Top Tank Mates for Butterfly Pleco (L168)
These fish are strong compatibility matches for Butterfly Pleco (L168) based on water preferences, temperament, adult size, and tank behavior.
Glowlight Tetra
Hemigrammus erythrozonus
Ideal Tank MatesGlass Catfish
Kryptopterus vitreolus
Ideal Tank MatesRaspy River Stingray
Potamotrygon scobina
Ideal Tank MatesTwig Catfish
Farlowella vittata
Ideal Tank MatesTandanus Catfish
Tandanus tandanus
Ideal Tank MatesStarlight Bristlenose Pleco (L183)
Ancistrus dolichopterus
Ideal Tank MatesPlants That Suit Butterfly Pleco (L168)
These plants pair well with Butterfly Pleco (L168) based on shared water preferences, layout fit, and how likely they are to hold up in the same aquarium.
African Water Fern
Bolbitis heudelotii
Boivin's Aponogeton
Aponogeton boivinianus
Capuron's Aponogeton
Aponogeton capuronii
African Onion Plant
Crinum calamistratum
Afzel's Anubias
Anubias afzelii
Amazon Sword
Echinodorus amazonicus
Fish Similar to Butterfly Pleco (L168)
Spotted Rubberlip Pleco (L187a)
Chaetostoma milesi
A hardworking, algae-eating catfish native to the fast-flowing, highly oxygenated mountain streams of Colombia. Known for its bulldog-like blunt snout and spotted pattern. Unlike many tropical fish, they require cooler water, high flow, and pristine water conditions to thrive. They are peaceful towards mid-water fish but can be territorial over their favorite hiding spots.
Zebra Pleco (L046)
Hypancistrus zebra
A highly sought-after, strikingly beautiful black-and-white striped pleco endemic to the fast-flowing Xingu River in Brazil. Unlike common plecostomus, it is primarily carnivorous (a micropredator) and will not clean algae. They are notoriously shy, slow-growing, and require highly oxygenated, warm water with vigorous flow to thrive.
Leopard Frog Pleco (L134)
Peckoltia compta
A highly sought-after, striking yellow and black banded pleco native to the fast-flowing Tapajós river basin in Brazil. They are omnivores that appreciate a balanced diet including meaty foods and wood. Due to their natural habitat, they require warm, highly oxygenated water and plenty of caves or driftwood for hiding.
Clown Pleco (L104)
Panaqolus maccus
A popular, distinctly striped dwarf pleco native to Venezuela. It is a strictly wood-eating species (xylivore); real driftwood is mandatory for its survival and digestion. Because of this diet, it produces massive amounts of sawdust-like waste, requiring excellent mechanical filtration despite its small size. They are shy and predominantly nocturnal.
Angelicus Pleco L073
Hypancistrus sp. L073
A stunning, small black-and-white spotted pleco native to the fast-flowing tributaries of the lower Amazon. Unlike many plecos, the Angelicus is a Hypancistrus species, meaning it is an omnivore that heavily prefers a meaty, protein-rich diet and will generally ignore algae. They require warm, highly oxygenated water with strong flow.
Gold Nugget Pleco (L018)
Baryancistrus xanthellus
A stunning, highly sought-after Loricariid native to the fast-flowing, highly oxygenated waters of the Rio Xingu in Brazil. They feature a dark body covered in bright yellow spots with thick yellow seams on their dorsal and caudal fins. They require high temperatures, high water flow, and a diet rich in biofilm, aufwuchs, and fresh vegetables. They are notoriously territorial towards other bottom-dwellers.