Hypancistrus Sp. L201 (Orinoco angel pleco)

Orinoco angel pleco, also known as the snowball pleco is an uncommon freshwater pleco that displays a striking pattern and stays a very manageable size! It is a member of the Loricariidae family of South American suckermouth catfishes. 

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Features of Orinoco Angel Pleco:

• Black body with large white polka dots
• Easy to care for, and are a bit smaller than some of their relatives
• It is not an effective algae-eater like other plecos

 

The Best Aquarium Size for Orinoco Angel Pleco:

Orinoco Angel Pleco can do well in a tank of 75L or larger. However, it depends on the size of your pleco. Also, if you want to set up a community tank, you have to increase the tank size. 

Browse our entire Aquarium Tank Selection here.

 

Tank Mate Compatibility:

Pleco can be kept in community tanks but are territorial towards their own species. They are peaceful towards other peaceful smaller species. If keeping multiple together, ensure plenty of space and provide caves and territories for each to claim.

Here are some great tank mates:

• Tetras
  
• harlequin rasbora
• Phantom Tetra
• Apistogramma
• Platies

 

Diet:

Feed the Orinoco Angel Pleco a diet heavy in both meaty and vegetable matter, including high-quality vegetable flakes, sinking algae wafers, and pellets. Meaty foods such as bloodworms are definitely necessary for this species. Vegetables such as zucchini can be fed once a week. Although omnivores, they will prefer more of a carnivorous diet.

Check out our extensive range of aquarium fish foods.

Pleco Tank Setup:

Aquarium Filtration

Water quality is vital. This fish produces a large amount of waste, so an excellent filter is essential. Cannister filters are a great option for medium to large aquariums. Ensure your filter has an adequate flow rate for your aquarium size. 

• 307 Performance Canister Filter By Fluval
• Eheim 2215 (350) Classic Filter with Media
• Oase BioMaster 350

Shop our comprehensive range of aquarium filters here.

Aquarium Heater

This pleco enjoys temperatures between 25 - 28° C. To manage stable water temperatures, we recommend installing a reliable aquarium heater and always monitor with an additional thermometer.

Get yourself an aquarium heater here.

Aquarium Plants

There are no strict cultivars that these fish prefer. So, get creative and add a variety of plants that fit this environment. Floating plants or large-leaved plants like java fern are all good choices for your pleco tank. Pleco's enjoy shaded areas and places to hide, this makes them feel safe.

Interested in live plants for your aquariums? Browse live plants here.

Aquarium Decorations

These cave-dwellers will appreciate a replication of their natural habitat, and that means you have the option of adding rock structures, pleco caves, and driftwood. Creating caves enables your fish to feel safe and claim territory. 

After more nice quality decorations?  Check our Aquarium Driftwood Ornaments.

Aquarium Lighting

These fish enjoy lower light levels with lots of shade and dark spaces to hide. If keeping live plants, they will need sufficient light to grow.

Standard aquarium lighting is appropriate. Shop aquarium lighting here.

Aquarium Substrate

Aquarium sand is ideal for plecos as they are bottom dwellers and will forage through substrate for food. If you prefer to use gravel, use a smooth and rounded gravel to protect their bodies.

A variety of Substrates are available at Coburg Aquarium.