New
Freshwater
Pleco
More details
Snowball Plecostomus (Hypancistrus inspector)
Free
Free
Description
The Snowball Pleco is a compact and stunning Loricariid known for its jet-black body and bold, round white spots—resembling scattered snowballs. Peaceful and nocturnal, it's ideal for mid-sized aquariums and community setups.
Difficulty Level
Intermediate Care
Region
Snowball Plecostomus (Hypancistrus inspector)
Core Details
Highlights
Care Level
/ 10
Low aggression and hardy, but needs stable water quality and specific hiding spaces to feel secure.
Environment Impact
/ 10
Captive-bred options are increasingly common, though some wild-caught individuals are still traded.
Origin
Native to the Rio Negro and its tributaries in Brazil, a blackwater system rich in tannins, leaf litter, and low mineral content.
Visual & Behavioral Appeal
Its contrasting black-and-white pattern pops in planted or dark-background tanks. Active during low light hours, it’s shy but rewarding to observe as it glides over driftwood and rock surfaces.
Purpose
Functions as a gentle bottom cleaner, grazing on biofilm and leftover food. Adds motion, visual contrast, and a unique pattern to lower tank zones without disturbing tankmates.
Importance
A great pick for aquarists wanting a low-impact pleco with manageable size and peaceful temperament. Its coloration adds depth and visual appeal in aquascapes.
Included Resources
Requires driftwood, caves, and rounded rock shelters. A sandy or smooth substrate supports safe foraging. Prefers soft, acidic water. Needs steady filtration and calm tankmates.
Best Use Cases
Fits well in blackwater tanks, Amazon-themed communities, or planted tanks with soft-scape features. Excellent for shrimp-safe setups and peaceful biotope layouts.
Conservation Context
Sustainable when sourced from responsible breeders. Avoid wild-caught if possible, as native populations in the Rio Negro are sensitive to overcollection.
Ideal Aquatic Species
• Small tetras and rasboras
• Apistogramma and other dwarf cichlids
• Corydoras
• Shrimp and snails
• Pencilfish and hatchetfish
Region (A)
• Latitude: -0.4167° S
• Longitude: -65.0167° W
(Rio Negro, near São Gabriel da Cachoeira, Brazil)
Region (B)
• Latitude: -1.9930° S
• Longitude: -62.9326° W
(Mouth of the Rio Demini, a tributary of the Rio Negro)
How Many Can I Keep?
Get smart stocking suggestions based on your tank size.
e.g. 75 gallons (280 L)
Snowball Plecostomus (Hypancistrus inspector)
Core Details
Highlights
Care Level
/ 10
Low aggression and hardy, but needs stable water quality and specific hiding spaces to feel secure.
Environment Impact
/ 10
Captive-bred options are increasingly common, though some wild-caught individuals are still traded.
Origin
Native to the Rio Negro and its tributaries in Brazil, a blackwater system rich in tannins, leaf litter, and low mineral content.
Visual & Behavioral Appeal
Its contrasting black-and-white pattern pops in planted or dark-background tanks. Active during low light hours, it’s shy but rewarding to observe as it glides over driftwood and rock surfaces.
Purpose
Functions as a gentle bottom cleaner, grazing on biofilm and leftover food. Adds motion, visual contrast, and a unique pattern to lower tank zones without disturbing tankmates.
Importance
A great pick for aquarists wanting a low-impact pleco with manageable size and peaceful temperament. Its coloration adds depth and visual appeal in aquascapes.
Included Resources
Requires driftwood, caves, and rounded rock shelters. A sandy or smooth substrate supports safe foraging. Prefers soft, acidic water. Needs steady filtration and calm tankmates.
Best Use Cases
Fits well in blackwater tanks, Amazon-themed communities, or planted tanks with soft-scape features. Excellent for shrimp-safe setups and peaceful biotope layouts.
Conservation Context
Sustainable when sourced from responsible breeders. Avoid wild-caught if possible, as native populations in the Rio Negro are sensitive to overcollection.
Ideal Aquatic Species
• Small tetras and rasboras
• Apistogramma and other dwarf cichlids
• Corydoras
• Shrimp and snails
• Pencilfish and hatchetfish
Region (A)
• Latitude: -0.4167° S
• Longitude: -65.0167° W
(Rio Negro, near São Gabriel da Cachoeira, Brazil)
Region (B)
• Latitude: -1.9930° S
• Longitude: -62.9326° W
(Mouth of the Rio Demini, a tributary of the Rio Negro)
How Many Can I Keep?
Get smart stocking suggestions based on your tank size.
e.g. 75 gallons (280 L)
Snowball Plecostomus (Hypancistrus inspector)
Core Details
Highlights
Care Level
/ 10
Low aggression and hardy, but needs stable water quality and specific hiding spaces to feel secure.
Environment Impact
/ 10
Captive-bred options are increasingly common, though some wild-caught individuals are still traded.
Origin
Native to the Rio Negro and its tributaries in Brazil, a blackwater system rich in tannins, leaf litter, and low mineral content.
Visual & Behavioral Appeal
Its contrasting black-and-white pattern pops in planted or dark-background tanks. Active during low light hours, it’s shy but rewarding to observe as it glides over driftwood and rock surfaces.
Purpose
Functions as a gentle bottom cleaner, grazing on biofilm and leftover food. Adds motion, visual contrast, and a unique pattern to lower tank zones without disturbing tankmates.
Importance
A great pick for aquarists wanting a low-impact pleco with manageable size and peaceful temperament. Its coloration adds depth and visual appeal in aquascapes.
Included Resources
Requires driftwood, caves, and rounded rock shelters. A sandy or smooth substrate supports safe foraging. Prefers soft, acidic water. Needs steady filtration and calm tankmates.
Best Use Cases
Fits well in blackwater tanks, Amazon-themed communities, or planted tanks with soft-scape features. Excellent for shrimp-safe setups and peaceful biotope layouts.
Conservation Context
Sustainable when sourced from responsible breeders. Avoid wild-caught if possible, as native populations in the Rio Negro are sensitive to overcollection.
Ideal Aquatic Species
• Small tetras and rasboras
• Apistogramma and other dwarf cichlids
• Corydoras
• Shrimp and snails
• Pencilfish and hatchetfish
Region (A)
• Latitude: -0.4167° S
• Longitude: -65.0167° W
(Rio Negro, near São Gabriel da Cachoeira, Brazil)
Region (B)
• Latitude: -1.9930° S
• Longitude: -62.9326° W
(Mouth of the Rio Demini, a tributary of the Rio Negro)
How Many Can I Keep?
Get smart stocking suggestions based on your tank size.
e.g. 75 gallons (280 L)
Snowball Plecostomus (Hypancistrus inspector)
Region
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