L168 Butterfly Pleco – Dekeyseria picta

The L168 Butterfly Pleco (Dekeyseria picta) is a popular L-catfish from the Amazon region in Brazil, known for its high-contrast markings. With its unique pattern of dark and light lines, reminiscent of butterfly wings, it is a real eye-catcher in any aquarium. Its wavy markings are particularly striking in the right light.

The L168 remains compact at around 10–12 cm in adult size and is a peaceful, active catfish that enjoys staying near roots and stones. It prefers soft, slightly acidic water and can be easily kept with other peaceful species.

🌿 Characteristics & Keeping:
🐠 Fish Size: S/M (4–6 cm)
🌎 Origin: Brazil (Rio Negro, Amazon region) – Wild-caught/Bred
🌡️ Temperature: 25–30 °C
💧 pH Value: 6.0–7.5
⚖️ Total Hardness: up to 15 °dGH
🐟 Social Behavior: Peaceful, calm, slightly territorial towards conspecifics
🌾 Aquarium: From 100 l, with roots, stones, sand substrate & light current

🍽️ Feeding:
The Dekeyseria picta (L168) is an omnivore with a focus on plant matter. It eats algae, periphyton, and plant-based foods such as spirulina, algae wafers, vegetable chips, zucchini, and cucumber. Additionally, it accepts frozen food like Artemia or Cyclops. Wood in the aquarium is readily used as a source of dietary fiber.

💡 Tip:
A well-structured aquarium with plenty of roots, caves, and a light current promotes natural behavior. On a dark substrate, the butterfly pattern of the L168 stands out particularly well with high contrast.

👉 Conclusion:
The L168 Butterfly Pleco (Dekeyseria picta) is a peaceful, attractively patterned L-catfish – ideal for enthusiasts of small, intensely colored species and naturalistic South American aquariums.