L052 Butterfly Pleco

$32.99

L052 Butterfly Pleco

Name: L052 Butterfly Pleco
Brand: Legacy Line Aquatics LLC
Price: 32.99 USD
Availability: InStock

$32.99

Select Import

The L052 Butterfly Pleco is a beautifully patterned South American catfish with cream and tan markings against a dark brown or black background. Its flattened body and broad fins give it a distinctive appearance as it rests on driftwood, rocks, and other surfaces.

Also known as the Atabapo Butterfly Pleco, this fish can change the contrast of its markings in response to its surroundings and mood. Its appearance may shift between bold banding and a more muted, mottled pattern.

With an adult size of approximately 5 to 6 inches, L052 offers the appeal of a patterned L-number pleco in a manageable size. It is a good choice for an established, peaceful aquarium with plenty of shelter and oxygen-rich water.

Why Hobbyists Love L052 Butterfly Plecos

Attractive dark-and-light patterns
Fascinating changes in color and contrast
Manageable adult size
Peaceful behavior toward most community fish
Natural grazing activity on wood and rocks

What You’re Getting from Legacy Line Aquatics

Imported stock offered through our select imports program
Hands-on care with attention to feeding, condition, and behavior
Species-appropriate nutrition and clear care information
Fish sold by the listed size; unsexed unless otherwise stated

Scientific Name: Dekeyseria picta
Trade Designation: L052
Common Names: Butterfly Pleco, Atabapo Butterfly Pleco, Flounder Pleco
Natural Origin: The L052 trade form is associated with the Orinoco and Atabapo river systems of South America
Stock Source: Imported
Adult Size: Approximately 5–6 inches
Temperament: Generally peaceful; may defend shelter from other plecos
Difficulty: Intermediate
Lifespan: Potentially 10 years or more with good care
Minimum Tank Size: 30 gallons with a generous bottom footprint
Temperature: 75–82°F

Temperament & Behavior

L052 Butterfly Plecos often spend daylight hours tucked beneath wood or resting in shaded areas. They commonly become more active around feeding time and after the lights dim. Plenty of cover helps them settle and behave naturally.

One can be kept on its own. Multiple plecos need additional floor space, separate shelters, and more than one feeding location.

Changes in color and contrast are normal for this species. Assess appetite, breathing, and behavior alongside appearance when evaluating its condition.

Feeding

L052 grazes on algae and biofilm, but it needs its own regular meals. Aquarium algae and other fishes’ leftovers cannot provide a dependable complete diet.

Offer a varied diet with a substantial vegetable component and some animal protein. Place food near its shelter and feed after lights-out if it is reluctant to compete during the day.

Recommended foods:

Quality algae wafers
Vegetable-based sinking pellets or sticks
Spirulina-containing foods
Balanced sinking pleco foods
Blanched zucchini or green beans
Occasional frozen brine shrimp or small portions of other invertebrate foods

Remove uneaten vegetables before they deteriorate. Driftwood provides shelter and grazing surfaces but does not replace food.

They Do Best in Tanks With

Mature biological filtration
Good surface agitation and oxygenation
Driftwood, smooth rocks, and several snug shelters
Fine sand or smooth, rounded substrate
Shaded resting places and open grazing surfaces
Moderate water movement with calmer refuges

Water Parameters

Temperature: 75–82°F
pH: Approximately 5.5–7.5
Hardness: Soft to moderately hard water
Ammonia and Nitrite: 0 ppm
Regular water changes and stable conditions

Tank Size Recommended

One adult: 30 gallons minimum; a 40-gallon breeder offers more floor space
Multiple adults or a larger community: 55 gallons or larger, with separate shelters

Good Tank Mates May Include

Peaceful tetras and rasboras
Corydoras and other peaceful small catfish
Appropriately sized rainbowfish sharing its water requirements
Peaceful dwarf cichlids when bottom territories are clearly separated

Avoid

Large, aggressive cichlids or predatory fish
Crowded bottom territories
Poorly oxygenated or newly established aquariums
Assuming algae alone will meet its nutritional needs

Local Delivery

Delivery is available within an 80-mile maximum distance from Owensboro, Kentucky.
$150 minimum order is required for delivery
$25 delivery fee applies

Local Meet-Up

Local meet-up is available.
After order we will contact you by email, or through Facebook or Instagram Messenger.
We will arrange a date, time, and public location to meet.

Shipping & Live Arrival

Live fish are shipped Monday–Wednesday (weather permitting) to reduce transit risk. Please review our How Shipping Works page and DOA Policy before ordering.