Gold King Tiger L333 Select

Gold King Tiger Select
Hypancistrus seideli Sousa et al., 2025 (L333)

Also known as: L333, King Tiger Pleco, Yellow King Tiger, Gold King Tiger

Max Size: 12–15 cm (about 5–6 inches)

One of the most photogenic small plecos in the hobby — a living maze of black ink on a cream-to-golden base. The body is compact and relatively stocky, with the classic Hypancistrus suckermouth and armored plates. The pattern is a network of worm-like or labyrinthine dark lines that run across the head, body, and fins. In wild-type L333 the light base is usually cream to pale yellow; Gold King Tiger Select lines are selectively bred for a deeper yellow or mustard-gold ground color and thicker, more dramatic black lines. Every individual is unique. Males develop broader heads and more prominent odontodes (bristles) on the cheeks and pectoral-fin spines.

Formally described in 2025, H. seideli brings together L333, L066, and several related Xingu forms as color morphs of a single variable species. L333 is the stockier, often more yellow form with a less deeply forked tail.

Origin & Habitat
Lower Rio Xingu, Pará, Brazil. It lives in warm, highly oxygenated rocky rapids and boulder fields (“pedrais”), wedged into crevices among rocks and sand. Current is strong, plant growth is sparse, and water is clear to lightly stained. Habitat has been affected by the Belo Monte dam complex, though the species is adaptable.

Diet
Omnivore with a strong protein lean. Not an algae eater. In nature it takes insect larvae, small crustaceans, and organic matter trapped among rocks. In the aquarium offer high-protein sinking pellets or granules, frozen bloodworms, mysis, brine shrimp, and occasional vegetable or spirulina matter. Frequent small feedings work better than one large meal.

Behavior & Temperament
Bottom-dwelling and largely nocturnal or crepuscular. Peaceful with other species but mildly territorial with its own kind, especially males competing for caves. Provide more hiding places than fish. Best kept with strong current, high oxygen, and subdued lighting so it feels secure enough to venture out.

Reproduction
Cave spawner. The male claims a suitably sized cave, traps the female briefly, then guards and fans the eggs (typically 20–60). Eggs hatch in about 6–7 days at warmer temperatures; the male continues to protect the fry until they leave the cave. Regularly bred in captivity when given proper caves, stable warm water, and a protein-rich diet.

Conservation Status
Wild populations face habitat alteration from dams and related changes on the Xingu. Captive breeding is widespread and important. Gold Select lines are tank-raised; keep pure L333 lines separate from L066 and other morphs if maintaining distinct forms.

A Xingu-rapids original whose black labyrinth pattern glows against a cream or molten-gold ground — and whose Select lines push that gold into true royalty.