False Zebra Pleco

Brazil banned wild export of the true zebra pleco back in 2004 to protect its already-tiny native range, which sent prices for legitimate captive-bred zebra plecos climbing and opened the door for similarly striped species like this one to fill the gap at a far friendlier price point. It's not the same fish, just convergent striping doing a similar visual job.

Care level: Moderate · Temperament: Peaceful · Max size: ~3.5" · Min tank: 20 gal · Diet: Omnivore, sinking pellets + occasional frozen