Care Level: Moderate

Temperament: Peaceful

Live Plant Safe: Yes

General Description: The Snowball Plecostomus or Pleco for short, also known as the L033 or Orinoco Angel Pleco, are native to highly oxygenated and rocky waters of the upper Rio Negro basin in Brazil and the drainage that links the Rio Negro to the Rio Orinoco in Venezuela. The Snowball pleco has a dark colored body decorated in larger white to yellow dots with the edge of the dorsal fin lacking these markings. Contrary to popular belief, the Snowball pleco has little interest in algae or anything of the sort, requiring a diet that is heavily protein based. This pleco will almost entirely ignore all other fish in the aquarium, with the exception of other bottom-dwelling plecos or catfish species that it could bicker with. Only one Snowball pleco should be kept per aquarium, unless the aquarium is very large and ample refuge places are provided. An adult Snowball pleco can reach a size of approximately 6″.

Diet Requirements: Snowball plecostomus are omnivorous, but a greater proportion of its diet should be protein. Various high quality frozen foods such as bloodworms or mysis shrimp are ideal in addition to sinking dried foods or gel foods that contain spirulina. Offering blanched pieces of zucchini occasionally can be attempted, but may not be accepted. Variety is the spice of life in order to maintain color, immune function and longevity of your fish.

Care Requirements: An established minimum 30 gallon aquarium is ideal for a small Snowball pleco, though a larger tank will be needed as it grows. This species requires relatively clean water that is low in nitrates (< 20 ppm) and highly oxygenated. It would also prefer more generous water movement, but this is not necessary to keep this species successfully. A Snowball pleco should not be introduced into a biologically immature aquarium, as they are sensitive to nitrite and ammonia. As they obtain size, plecostomus add quite a significant amount of bioload (or biological load, in terms of waste) in your aquarium. Do not become complacent on water changes for this very reason. The aquarium should have a fine to sandy substrate and aquascaped with smooth rocks and other stonework for places to hide. They are indifferent to driftwood as it is not common where it naturally occurs. Many live plants may not thrive in the water conditions a Snowball pleco prefers, but the fish itself will cause no harm to said plants. Recommended water conditions, 74-78° F, KH 0-15, pH 5.0-7.5.

Purchase Size: Medium: 2-3/4” to 3”, Large: 3-1/2” to 4”

Note: Your item may not look identical to the image provided due to variation within species. Purchase sizes are approximate.