Remarks: The Nhamunda zebra pleco is one of many look-a-like species within the Hypancistrus genus. It can be rather difficult to tell them apart from closely related species such as the Colombian Zebra Pleco and the Chocolate Zebra pleco. To make things even more complicated identification-wise, it is common for these plecos to hybridize with other species within their natural range in the Rio Nhamunda. All of these species display a pattern of dark gray, black, or brown bodies covered in a varied pattern of white or off-white stripes resulting in each fish having a unique pattern. Combined with their small size, they are typically a rather desirable species for the home aquarium.

  Care for the Nhamunda zebra pleco is like most other Hypancistrus where they prefer to be kept in groups otherwise they will feel unsafe. They also are mainly carnivorous so a diet rich in protein but with the occasional vegetable is needed to keep them healthy. As they are found in the same waters as wild discus, they differ from most Loricariids in that they require very warm water rather than cooler temperatures. They also require very low nitrate levels like discus making them an excellent tankmate for them and many other species that prefer warm, soft, acidic, and tannin-stained conditions such as ram cichlids. It should be noted when choosing tankmates that the Nhamunda zebra pleco can be quite shy so overly boisterous and aggressive species should be avoided and care should be taken to ensure they get enough to eat as they are easily outcompeted.