The L201 Snowball Pleco is a stunning freshwater fish that is highly sought after by aquarium enthusiasts. Here’s some detailed information about this beautiful species:
Scientific Name
Hypancistrus contradens
Common Names
- L201 Snowball Pleco
- Snowball Plecostomus
- Orinoco Angel Pleco
Origin
The L201 Snowball Pleco is native to the Orinoco River Basin in South America, particularly in Venezuela and Colombia. It thrives in fast-moving waters with rocky substrates.
Appearance
- The L201 Snowball Pleco has a striking black body with bright white or yellowish spots that resemble snowballs, giving it its common name.
- Its fins are often edged with white, further adding to its beauty.
- It typically grows to about 5–6 inches (12–15 cm) in length, making it suitable for medium-sized aquariums.
Tank Requirements
-
Tank Size: Minimum of 30 gallons for a single specimen; larger if keeping multiple.
-
Water Parameters:
- pH: 6.0–7.5
- Temperature: 75–82°F (24–28°C)
- Hardness: Soft to moderately hard water
-
Substrate: Sand or smooth gravel with plenty of caves and hiding spots.
-
Lighting: Prefers dim lighting.
-
Flow: Moderate to strong water flow to mimic its natural habitat.
Diet
- The L201 Snowball Pleco is an omnivore. It primarily eats:
- Sinking pellets
- Algae wafers
- Fresh vegetables like zucchini, cucumber, and spinach
- Protein-based foods like bloodworms and brine shrimp
Behavior
- Generally peaceful and compatible with other community fish.
- It is nocturnal and prefers to stay hidden during the day, becoming more active at night.
- Males can be territorial with other males, especially during breeding.
Breeding
- Breeding L201 Snowball Plecos is possible in home aquariums.
- Provide caves or breeding tubes for spawning.
- Males guard the eggs until they hatch, usually within 5–7 days.
Care Notes
- Regular water changes and good filtration are essential, as they are sensitive to poor water quality.
- Avoid housing them with overly aggressive tank mates or fish that require drastically different water conditions.
