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