{"product_id":"plecostomus-stardust-l262","title":"Plecostomus Stardust L262","description":"\u003cp data-start=\"0\" data-end=\"54\" class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchorContainer\"\u003eStardust Plecostomus L262 (Hypancistrus sp. ‘L262’)\u003cspan aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchor\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"56\" data-end=\"399\"\u003eOften referred to as the \"Stardust Pleco,\" the L262 is one of the most beautiful and sought-after small plecos available in the aquarium hobby. Famous for its incredible pattern of countless tiny white spots covering a dark brown to black body, this stunning catfish resembles a field of stars, making it a true jewel for freshwater aquariums.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"401\" data-end=\"820\"\u003eUnlike many traditional plecos that become very large, the Stardust Pleco remains a manageable size while still offering the fascinating behaviour, unique appearance, and personality that make plecos so popular. Peaceful, secretive, and full of character, L262 spends its time exploring caves, driftwood, and rocky areas, becoming more confident as it settles into its environment. \u003cspan class=\"\" data-state=\"closed\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"822\" data-end=\"1193\"\u003e🌿 Why Choose Stardust Pleco L262?\u003cbr\u003e✨ One of the most beautifully patterned small plecos available\u003cbr\u003e⭐ Incredible \"starry sky\" white spotting over a dark body\u003cbr\u003e📏 Small adult size compared to many plecostomus species\u003cbr\u003e🧠 Intelligent and fascinating bottom-dwelling behaviour\u003cbr\u003e🌱 Perfect for natural river-style aquariums\u003cbr\u003e🏆 A prized species for pleco enthusiasts and collectors\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1195\" data-end=\"1531\"\u003eStardust Plecos originate from the fast-flowing, oxygen-rich waters of the Rio Tapajós in Brazil, where they live among rocks, caves, and submerged structures. Their natural environment is full of hiding places and strong water movement, which should be recreated in the aquarium wherever possible. \u003cspan class=\"\" data-state=\"closed\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1533\" data-end=\"2144\"\u003e📏 Care Requirements\u003cbr data-start=\"1553\" data-end=\"1556\"\u003e🧬 Scientific Name: Hypancistrus sp. ‘L262’\u003cbr data-start=\"1599\" data-end=\"1602\"\u003e📛 Common Name: Stardust Pleco \/ L262 \/ Spotted Queen Arabesque Pleco\u003cbr data-start=\"1671\" data-end=\"1674\"\u003e🏠 Tank Size: 80L+ recommended\u003cbr data-start=\"1704\" data-end=\"1707\"\u003e📏 Adult Size: Around 9–10cm\u003cbr data-start=\"1735\" data-end=\"1738\"\u003e🌡️ Temperature: 25–29°C\u003cbr data-start=\"1762\" data-end=\"1765\"\u003e⚗️ pH Range: 5.8–7.0\u003cbr data-start=\"1785\" data-end=\"1788\"\u003e🧘 Temperament: Peaceful, mildly territorial towards similar plecos\u003cbr data-start=\"1855\" data-end=\"1858\"\u003e🍽️ Diet: Carnivorous-leaning diet including sinking catfish pellets, frozen bloodworms, brine shrimp, mysis shrimp, chopped prawns, mussels, and occasional vegetable matter\u003cbr data-start=\"2031\" data-end=\"2034\"\u003e👥 Group Size: Can be kept individually or in groups in larger aquariums \u003cspan class=\"\" data-state=\"closed\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2146\" data-end=\"2523\"\u003eStardust Plecos thrive in mature aquariums with excellent filtration, high oxygen levels, and plenty of hiding spaces. A natural setup with smooth rocks, driftwood, caves, and a sandy substrate closely matches their river habitat. They appreciate multiple caves, as males can become territorial when competing for preferred spawning sites. \u003cspan class=\"\" data-state=\"closed\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2525\" data-end=\"2821\"\u003eAlthough often sold alongside algae-eating plecos, L262 is not an effective algae cleaner. Their diet is much more focused on protein-rich foods, meaning they should be treated more like a small predatory catfish rather than a traditional algae-eating pleco. \u003cspan class=\"\" data-state=\"closed\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2823\" data-end=\"2839\"\u003e🐠 Compatibility\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2841\" data-end=\"2950\"\u003eStardust Plecos are peaceful and suitable for carefully planned community aquariums. Good tank mates include:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2952\" data-end=\"3109\"\u003e🐟 Cardinal tetras\u003cbr data-start=\"2970\" data-end=\"2973\"\u003e🐟 Rummy nose tetras\u003cbr data-start=\"2993\" data-end=\"2996\"\u003e🐟 Rasboras\u003cbr data-start=\"3007\" data-end=\"3010\"\u003e🐟 Corydoras\u003cbr data-start=\"3022\" data-end=\"3025\"\u003e🐟 Peaceful dwarf cichlids\u003cbr data-start=\"3051\" data-end=\"3054\"\u003e🐟 Small peaceful catfish\u003cbr data-start=\"3079\" data-end=\"3082\"\u003e🐟 Other calm tropical fish\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3111\" data-end=\"3422\"\u003eAvoid keeping them with aggressive fish, large predators, or highly competitive bottom dwellers that may prevent them from accessing food. Multiple Hypancistrus species should generally be avoided together due to the risk of territorial disputes and possible hybridisation. \u003cspan class=\"\" data-state=\"closed\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3424\" data-end=\"3439\"\u003eImportant Notes\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3441\" data-end=\"3718\"\u003eThe Stardust Pleco is an excellent choice for aquarists who want a smaller, premium pleco species with stunning appearance and fascinating behaviour. While hardy once established, they require clean, warm, oxygen-rich water and should not be introduced into immature aquariums.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3720\" data-end=\"3976\"\u003eThey are mostly nocturnal and may spend much of the day hiding, especially when newly introduced. Providing caves and shaded areas will help them feel secure, and over time many individuals become more confident and visible, especially around feeding time.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3978\" data-end=\"4316\"\u003eBreeding L262 is possible in the home aquarium. Males select and defend suitable caves, where females deposit eggs before the male guards and fans them until they hatch. A dedicated breeding setup with excellent water quality, strong oxygenation, and suitable caves can encourage successful spawning.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Neil Hardy","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":58364845031805,"sku":null,"price":89.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"url":"https:\/\/www.snuffleandswim.com\/products\/plecostomus-stardust-l262","provider":"Snuffle and Swim","version":"1.0","type":"link"}