How difficult is it to keep Snowball pleco?

Intermediate. This is an intermediate-level species. Some prior experience and knowledge of environmental management are recommended.

What is the ideal temperature for Snowball pleco?

The ideal temperature for Snowball pleco is 22〜30℃. Avoid sudden temperature changes and maintain a stable environment.

How large does Snowball pleco get?

Snowball pleco typically reaches Up to 12.6 cm SL (FishBase) as an adult. Size may vary depending on care conditions and individual genetics.

What should I feed Snowball pleco?

Snowball pleco feeds on: Omnivore (sinking prepared foods, frozen foods, vegetables). Aim for a balanced diet with appropriate feeding frequency.

What is the typical price for Snowball pleco?

The price of Snowball pleco varies significantly depending on morph, size, and lineage. Check our market price page for the latest pricing information.

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Snowball pleco

Intermediate

Hypancistrus inspector

A Hypancistrus from rapids of the upper Rio Negro and Casiquiare, with large white-to-yellow spots on a dark body and big eyes. Known as L102, it grows beyond 12 cm SL.

Difficulty

Intermediate

Temperature

22〜30℃

Lifespan

Few reliable data

Size

Up to 12.6 cm SL (FishBase)

Diet

Omnivore (sinking prepared foods, frozen foods, vegetables)

About

The snowball pleco, Hypancistrus inspector (L102), was described in 2002 from the upper Rio Negro in Amazonas, Brazil, and the Casiquiare canal in Venezuela, which links the Negro and the Orinoco. Orinoco specimens in the original type series were later described as H. contradens. FishBase gives 12.6 cm SL. It is collected from rocky rapids, and stomach contents include algae, detritus and seeds. It has large white-to-yellow spots on a dark body, with smaller spots on the head, and its name refers to its large eyes. Mature males carry more odontodes on the pectoral spines and cheeks and often show a reddish tone. The female spawns in a cave and the male guards eggs and fry. It is distinct from the zebra pleco (H. zebra), and congeners hybridise, so do not keep Hypancistrus species together. It is a standard pleco in Japanese specialist shops.

Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)

Size of the Snowball pleco

The Snowball pleco grows to Up to 12.6 cm SL (FishBase).

Temperature & humidity for the Snowball pleco

The ideal temperature for the Snowball pleco is 22〜30℃.

Basic Info

Origin

South America (upper Rio Negro, Brazil; Casiquiare canal, Venezuela)

Lifespan

Few reliable data

Size

Up to 12.6 cm SL (FishBase)

Temperature

References & Sources

Edited & verified by: BreederDirect editorial team

The taxonomic, regulatory, and husbandry data on this page are compiled and verified against the authoritative primary sources below.

Primary sources

Taxonomy & Authority

Accepted name: Hypancistrus inspector Armbruster, 2002

Authority databases: GBIF · GBIF · FishBase

Nomenclature follows global taxonomic authority databases.

Regulations & Conservation Status

Not CITES-listedIUCN LC · Least Concern

Not listed in the CITES Appendices (checked on Species+). Not designated under Japan's Invasive Alien Species Act, nor on the Ministry of the Environment's list of invasive alien species. Never release aquarium fish into the wild.

Sources: Species+ (CITES) / FishBase

Regulations may change. Always verify the latest information with the relevant authorities.