L201 Snowball Pleco (Hypancistrus contradens)
Black Velvet with Pearls. Small Size, Big Impact.
The L201 Snowball Pleco is a true Hypancistrus gem—jet-black body, crisp white spots, and a compact size that makes it perfect for aquascapes and nano tanks. Native to Venezuela’s blackwater rivers, this pleco brings elegance, rarity, and breeding potential to any setup.
L201: Because elegance should shine!
L201 Snowball Pleco
Water Parameters
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Temp: 77–82°F
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pH: 6.5–7.7
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Hardness: 7–15 dGH
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Flow: Moderate to strong
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Oxygen: High—add surface agitation or powerheads
Tank Setup
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Substrate: Sand or fine gravel
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Décor: Driftwood, leaf litter, ceramic caves
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Lighting: Low to moderate
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Tankmates: Peaceful fish, no fin-nippers
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Pro tip: Keep water pristine—these fish hate drama
Diet
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Carnivore-leaning omnivore
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Bloodworms, brine shrimp, Repashy, shrimp sticks
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Spirulina flakes and veggie wafers for balance
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Feed after lights out for best results
Breeding Potential
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Cave spawner
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Males trap females, guard eggs
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Hatch time: ~14 days
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Fry feed on baby brine shrimp and powdered protein
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High-value fry—great for boutique breeding projects
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