All fish / Loricariidae

Snowball Pleco

Hypancistrus inspector

Also known as l201, l-201, snowball plec, snowball pleco, inspector pleco, orinoco angel pleco, white spot hypancistrus, インスペクタープレコ, 雪球异型, L201

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A dark grey to black suckermouth catfish covered in small white or cream spots, with a tall dorsal fin and a broad head. It is kept for its striking contrast, modest size and mostly nocturnal, cave-dwelling habits that suit a well-planned rocky or wooded tank.

Care at a glance

Care level

Moderate

Temperament

Semi

Adult size

12 cm

Temperature

25 to 30 °C

pH

5.5 to 7.2

Smallest tank

120 litres

Keep as

Singly or a group with plenty of caves; males defend territories

Diet

Omnivore: sinking pellets, bloodworm, brine shrimp, mysis, some vegetables

Swims

Bottom of the tank

Lifespan

10 to 15 years

Water

Freshwater

Wild range

Venezuela and Brazil: upper Rio Negro and Casiquiare basin

Breeding

A cave spawner in which the male guards the eggs and larvae inside a snug tunnel or cave until the fry are free-swimming. It has been bred in home aquariums but is less prolific than many plecos and needs warm, clean, well-oxygenated soft water.

Good to know

Unlike many plecos it eats little algae and needs meaty foods, and males can squabble over caves. Several similar spotted Hypancistrus such as L102-like forms and hybrids are sold under the same name.