L201 Snowball Pleco

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.