All fish / Loricariidae

Snowball pleco

Hypancistrus furunculus

Also known as l199, l 199, l-199, l201 lookalike, snowball plec, furunculus pleco, white spotted hypancistrus, スノーボールプレコ, 雪球异型

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A small dark grey to black suckermouth catfish covered in bold white or cream spots, sold under the L-number L199. It stays compact, is peaceful and suits warm, well oxygenated community tanks with rocky caves.

Care at a glance

Care level

Moderate

Temperament

Peaceful

Adult size

11 cm

Temperature

26 to 30 °C

pH

6 to 7.5

Smallest tank

100 litres

Keep as

Singly or in a small group with plenty of caves

Diet

Omnivore: meaty sinking foods such as bloodworm, brine shrimp and quality sinking pellets, plus some vegetable matter

Swims

Bottom of the tank

Lifespan

10 to 15 years

Water

Freshwater

Wild range

Venezuela: Orinoco and Ventuari river basins

Breeding

A cave spawner in which the male guards the eggs and larvae inside a snug cave. It has been bred in captivity but less often than some relatives, and needs clean, warm, well oxygenated water with strong flow.

Good to know

Often confused with the similar L201 Hypancistrus inspector group fish, so check the source and spot pattern when buying. Needs high oxygen and good flow, so avoid warm stagnant tanks.