The L401 (commonly sold as the Rio Curua or Royal King Alenquer pleco) is a striking, beautifully patterned, relatively small Hypancistrus pleco known for zebra-like banding and a compact, slightly elongated body that typically reaches about 10–12 cm (≈4–5″) in captivity; it was collected from the Rio Curuá / Alenquer region of the lower Amazon in Brazil. 
 
Unlike many large wood-eating plecos, L401s are somewhat carnivorous and do best when offered a protein-rich diet (frozen meaty foods and high-quality carnivore pellets), though they will accept occasional vegetable treats such as zucchini. They are generally peaceful and mostly nocturnal—shy during the day and happiest when provided plenty of caves, driftwood and rock overhangs plus moderate to strong water flow and high oxygenation to mimic their fast-flowing river habitat. For captive care aim for warm, well-filtered water (about 25–30 °C / 77–86 °F), a neutral to slightly acidic pH (≈6.0–7.5) and soft to moderately hard water; stable water quality and good filtration are more important than extreme parameter tweaks, and juveniles can be a bit more sensitive, so slow, careful acclimation is recommended.
 
Peaceful by nature, L401s mix well with small to medium community fish that prefer similar warm, soft waters—tetras, rasboras, peaceful cichlids, and other non-territorial plecos—though multiple males may quarrel without enough caves. In breeding setups, a single male typically claims a tight cave and courts a female; eggs are deposited inside and guarded by the male until they hatch. Soft, warm water, high oxygen levels, and plentiful cave choices greatly increase spawning success.