Snowball Orinoco Angel Pleco
Size: Approx 6-7cm
The L201 Snowball Pleco (Hypancistrus sp.), also known as the Orinoco Angel Pleco, is a member of the Loricariidae family of South American suckermouth catfishes. Its black body with large white polka dots makes it a very striking fish for the planted or nano aquarium.
This species is native to the upper rio Negro basin in Amazonas state, Brazil and parts of the Casiquiare drainage, which links the Negro with the Río Orinoco, in Venezuela.
Best maintained in an aquarium designed to simulate a flowing stream with a substrate of variably-sized rocks, sand, fine gravel, and some water-worn boulders.
This can be further furnished with driftwood branches, terracotta pipes, plant pots, etc., arranged to form a network of nooks, crannies, shaded spots, and broken lines of sight.
Like many fishes that naturally inhabit running water it is intolerant to accumulation of organic pollutants and requires spotless water in order to thrive, therefore weekly water changes of 30-50% tank volume should be considered routine. A moderate-to-high proportion of dissolved oxygen and some water movement are also appreciated, meaning power filter(s), additional powerhead(s), or airstone(s) should be employed as necessary.
Diet:
Wild specimens are probably omnivorous but with a preference for aquatic invertebrates and other small animals.
In the aquarium it should be offered a varied diet comprising sinking dried foods, frozen Daphnia, mosquito larvae, chironomid larvae (bloodworm), and prawn/shrimp, plus some fresh fruit, parboiled potato, etc.
Behaviour:
A peaceful species which can be maintained in a well-chosen community, but should not be maintained alongside other Hypancistrus spp. in order to prevent hybridisation.
Sexual Dimorphism:
Adult males possess more odontodes on the leading pectoral-fin rays and interopercular region than females, plus they often show an overall reddish tone on the body whereas females do not.
Males are also more slender and less stocky than females, a difference which is easily observed when the fish are viewed dorsally.
Care
Care Level: Moderate
Temperament: Peaceful
Diet: Omnivore
Max Size: 140 – 160 mm
Tank Size: 150L
Temperature: 22-30c
pH: 5.0-7.5
*Product Photo is for reference only. Exact size and colour may vary, if required, please feel free to contact us for exact photos prior to purchase.
