To which family does the black and white banded *Hypancistrus zebra* belong?
Answer
Loricariidae
The *Hypancistrus zebra*, commonly known as the Zebra Pleco, is identified as a member of the Loricariidae family, which is described as the vast catfish family characterized by armored features. This classification immediately sets the species apart within the broader ichthyological context, distinguishing it from other catfish groups that might possess different structural or evolutionary traits. Understanding this foundational taxonomic placement is crucial to appreciating its evolutionary specialization.

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