L-201 SNOWBALL Pleco (Orinoco Angel Pleco)

❄️ L-201 Snowball Pleco – The Orinoco Angel with a Starry Night Look

The L-201 Snowball Pleco (Hypancistrus contradens), also known as the Orinoco Angel Pleco, is a stunning, small-bodied pleco prized for its deep black body covered in bright white “snowball” spots. This species comes from the Orinoco River Basin in Venezuela and is ideal for aquarists looking for a striking, peaceful bottom-dweller for mid-sized planted tanks or peaceful communities.

Unlike larger common plecos, the L-201 stays compact, maxing out around 4–5 inches. Its bold pattern, peaceful personality, and low bio-load make it a perfect choice for aquascapes, nano tanks, and community tanks with live plants.

🐟 Species Profile:

• Scientific Name: Hypancistrus contradens

• L Number: L-201

• Common Names: Snowball Pleco, Orinoco Angel Pleco

• Adult Size: 4–5 inches

• Temperament: Peaceful, shy

• Tank Size: 30+ gallons

• Water Parameters: 78–84°F | pH 6.2–7.4 | Soft, clean, well-oxygenated water

• Diet: Omnivore – sinking carnivore pellets, bloodworms, brine shrimp, occasional veggie wafers

🛠️ Tank Setup & Compatibility:

L-201 Snowball Plecos thrive in:

• Aquariums with driftwood, caves, and rockwork for hiding

• Low to moderate lighting and gentle water movement

• Well-maintained water quality and strong filtration

Compatible with:

• Tetras, rasboras, corydoras, dwarf cichlids, angelfish, small gouramis

• Great for planted tanks and peaceful community setups

Behavior:

• 💤 Primarily nocturnal – active at night or during feeding

• 🛑 Not aggressive – may guard a favorite cave

• 🧼 Helps control leftover food and mild algae

🛒 Why Buy from RobsAquatics.com?

Each L-201 Snowball Pleco is:

• ✅ Hand-selected for vibrant color and healthy activity

• ✅ Feeding on prepared and frozen foods before shipping

• ✅ Shipped live with our Live Arrival Guarantee

• ✅ A gorgeous, compact addition to planted aquariums or nano tanks

📦 Turn your tank into a starry night scene with the eye-catching elegance of the L-201 Snowball Pleco—a peaceful gem for community aquariums. Now available at RobsAquatics.com.