Butterfly plecos (Dekeyseria) (Dekeyseria spp.) care guide

Group
Freshwater fish
Other names
Butterfly pleco, Butterfly plec, L052, L168, Dekeyseria picta, Dekeyseria brachyura, Zonancistrus (former genus)
Family
Loricariidae (suckermouth armoured catfishes)
Origin
Tropical South America: the Rio Negro, floodplain lakes of the Amazon and the upper Orinoco.
Water
freshwater
Maximum size
20 cm
Temperature
25–28°C
pH
5.6–7
Hardness
Soft to medium
Minimum tank
180 litres
Care level
intermediate
Temperament
peaceful

Care

A small genus of very flattened plecos (four species are recognised on PlanetCatfish and Wikipedia) best known from the butterfly plecos sold as L052 and L168. Figures vary by species, so check the species or L-number before buying. PlanetCatfish gives adult sizes of about 13–20 cm SL across the genus. Tank: Seriously Fish suggests a tank of at least 120 × 30 cm for the butterfly plec; we suggest about 180 litres for one adult or a pair (an estimate based on that footprint). Provide flat stones, slate, driftwood and narrow caves, with smooth sand or fine gravel. Water: they need warm, well-oxygenated water with plenty of movement. Seriously Fish gives 25–28 °C and pH 5.6–7.0 for D. brachyura. Use strong filtration plus a powerhead and change water regularly. Behaviour and identification: shy, mainly nocturnal fish that press flat against rocks and wood. They can change colour quickly to match their surroundings and mood, from a bold pattern of dark bars on a tan background to plain brown. Some species can also gulp air. Sexing (PlanetCatfish): mature males grow obvious bristles (odontodes) along the pectoral fin spine and rear of the body, and have a broader head than females. Names: L052 is usually sold as Dekeyseria picta (Orinoco) and L168 as D. brachyura (Rio Negro); Seriously Fish notes these may turn out to be the same species, and the striped forms were once placed in the genus Zonancistrus, which is no longer used. Both are widely sold as "butterfly pleco", a name also used for other fish, so check the L-number. Trade: almost all fish sold are wild-caught. PlanetCatfish data show one species accounts for nearly all the fish kept by its members. Sources: PlanetCatfish genus page (planetcatfish.com/dekeyseria); Seriously Fish (seriouslyfish.com/genus/dekeyseria); Wikipedia (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dekeyseria). Checked October 2026.

Diet

Omnivores that graze biofilm and soft algae and take small invertebrates. Offer sinking algae and vegetable wafers, blanched vegetables such as courgette, and meatier foods such as bloodworm, brine shrimp and good sinking pellets a few times a week. Driftwood in the tank provides grazing surfaces. Feed in the evening, as they are most active after dark.

Breeding

PlanetCatfish describes Dekeyseria as cave spawners that need narrow caves (low in height). As with similar plecos, the male guards the eggs and fry inside the cave. Aquarium spawning is rarely reported; a mature pair in soft, warm, well-oxygenated water with suitably narrow caves and a varied diet gives the best chance. Fry graze biofilm and take crushed algae wafers once they leave the cave.

Compatibility and tank mates

Peaceful towards other fish and suits a soft-water community of tetras, pencilfish, hatchetfish, dwarf cichlids, discus or angelfish, and Corydoras. Males can be territorial with each other and with other plecos over caves, so give one cave per fish and plenty of broken-up territory. Avoid large boisterous cichlids and fish that outcompete them for food.

Last updated 5 October 2026. Community-edited care guide on Aquatic-Auctions.

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