Snowball Pleco Care Guide

Hypancistrus inspector

Stocking Calculator
Bioload Score

3480

PeacefulModerateFreshwater
Max Size
18.0 cm / 7.0"
Temperature
24–28°C (75–82°F)
pH Range
6.5 – 7.5
Min Tank Size
76L (20 gal)
Min Group Size
Can be kept alone
Tank Level
Bottom
Origin
South America
Temperament
Peaceful
Difficulty
Moderate
Breeding Difficulty
Moderate

Diet

Primarily carnivorous, requiring high-protein sinking pellets, frozen foods like bloodworms, and some vegetable matter. They are not effective algae eaters.

Community Compatibility

Peaceful tankmates that won’t outcompete them for food; avoid aggressive bottom-

Gender Differences

Males have slightly broader heads and more prominent odontodes (small bristle-like structures) on their fins; females are smaller and rounder.

Stock Snowball Pleco in Your Tank

Use our free stocking calculator to see if Snowball Pleco fits your aquarium