Turn your tank into a winter wonderland with the L471 Mini Snowball Pleco, a rare gem from the Rio Ventuari in Venezuela. This striking dwarf species, also known as the White Spotted Dwarf Hypancistrus, features a sleek black body adorned with bold, bright white spots—like snowflakes on velvet.
L471 Mini Snowball Pleco
Minimum tank size: 20 gallons
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Substrate: Fine sand or smooth gravel
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Decor: Driftwood, caves, rock caves for hiding spots
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Plants: Low-light species (Anubias, Java fern) or floating cover
Water Parameters
Parameter Recommended Range Temperature 75–82 °F (24–28 °C) pH 6.5–7.5 Hardness (GH) 4–12 dGH KH 2–6 dKH Filtration Moderate to strong with gentle flow Diet and Feeding
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Staple: High-quality sinking pellets or wafers
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Frozen treats: Bloodworms, brine shrimp once or twice weekly
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Vegetables: Blanched zucchini, cucumber slices every 3–4 days
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Biofilm: Supplemental tablets or natural growth on wood/rocks
Compatibility
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Ideal tankmates: Small rasboras, tetras, Corydoras catfish
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Avoid: Aggressive cichlids, large boisterous fish
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Social behavior: Solitary to small group; multiple specimens require ample hiding spots
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