Why is fine sand often recommended over coarse gravel as the preferred substrate for keeping bottom-dwelling Zebra Plecos?
Answer
It is gentler on their delicate undersides and barbels.
As benthic creatures that spend their entire existence on the bottom substrate, the physical nature of what they rest upon is significant for the Zebra Pleco. Fine sand is favored because it is considerably gentler on the fish's delicate undersides and their sensory barbels compared to coarse gravel. Rougher substrate materials pose a risk of causing irritation or physical injury to these sensitive areas when the fish are actively foraging or resting along the tank floor.
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