Hypancistrus zebra
Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC) via https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zebra_pleco
Overview
The zebra pleco is a species of catfish endemic to a small section of the Rio Xingu in Brazil. It occurs in the big bend area of the river, downstream from the town of Altamira, Para. It was first described in 1991.
It gets its name from its black and white stripes, resembling the colouration of a zebra. This species grows to a length of 6.4 centimetres (2.5 in) SL. This species was exported from Brazil in 1987 for sale as aquarium fish.
However, currently, the Brazilian government bans the export of certain fish species, including H. zebra.
The Hypancistrus zebra faces severe population decline primarily due to the construction of the Belo Monte Dam on the Xingu River, which has dramatically altered water flow patterns and destroyed critical rocky substrate habitats. Overcollection for the international aquarium trade has further depleted wild populations, with this species commanding extremely high prices due to its striking black and white striped pattern. The species' highly restricted range within a single river system makes it exceptionally vulnerable to these combined pressures.
Habitat
This species is endemic to the rocky rapids and fast-flowing waters of the Xingu River in Brazil, specifically inhabiting areas with strong currents and abundant rocky crevices. It requires well-oxygenated water with specific flow patterns and substrate composition found only in natural river rapids.
