Common Name: L201 Orinoco Angel Pleco
Scientific Name: Hypancistrus sp.
Other Names: Snowball Pleco (occasionally confused with L102), L201 Pleco
The L201 Orinoco Angel Pleco is a small, beautifully patterned Hypancistrus species characterized by its dark body covered in striking white or yellowish spots. Its compact size, peaceful nature, and attractive coloration make it a highly desirable pleco for home aquariums. Like other Hypancistrus species, it prefers hiding in caves and crevices and is more carnivorous than most plecos.
Habitat and Distribution:
Native to the Orinoco River Basin in Colombia and Venezuela, the L201 Orinoco Angel Pleco is found in well-oxygenated, moderately fast-flowing waters with rocky substrates. These habitats offer an abundance of submerged driftwood, caves, and crevices where the species hides during the day. The water in its natural habitat is warm and slightly acidic.
Size and Lifespan:
This species grows to about 4-5 inches (10-12 cm). With proper care, it can live for 10-15 years.
Diet and Behavior:
The Orinoco Angel Pleco is an omnivore but leans toward a carnivorous diet. In the wild, it primarily feeds on small invertebrates, biofilm, and organic matter. In captivity, it should be fed high-quality sinking carnivore pellets, frozen or live foods such as bloodworms, blackworms, and brine shrimp, and occasional plant-based foods like spirulina wafers or blanched zucchini. It is nocturnal and spends most of its time hiding in caves or under driftwood, becoming more active during feeding times.
Breeding and Reproduction:
Like other Hypancistrus species, L201 is a cave spawner. Males guard the eggs inside a cave, fanning them until they hatch. To encourage breeding, provide multiple cave structures, maintain stable water conditions, and feed a protein-rich diet. Fry can be fed baby brine shrimp and finely crushed sinking foods.
Aquarium Care and Tank Requirements:
A minimum of 30 gallons is recommended for a single specimen, with a larger tank (40+ gallons) preferred for a small group. Their ideal tank setup includes a soft sand or fine gravel substrate, multiple caves and driftwood to create hiding spaces, strong filtration with high oxygenation, moderate to strong water flow to replicate river conditions, and dim to moderate lighting to reduce stress.
Ideal Tank Mates:
L201 Orinoco Angel Plecos are peaceful and do well with other non-aggressive species. Suitable tank mates include Tetras, Corydoras, Rasboras, Dwarf Cichlids (Apistogramma and Ram Cichlids), and other small to medium-sized South American fish. Avoid large, aggressive species that may outcompete them for food or invade their hiding spaces.
Difficulty Level:
Intermediate to Advanced. They require stable water conditions, a high-protein diet, and a well-oxygenated environment to thrive.
Water Parameters:
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Temperature: 78-86°F (26-30°C)
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pH: 6.0-7.5
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General Hardness (GH): 4-12 dGH
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Carbonate Hardness (KH): 3-8 dKH
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Ammonia: 0 ppm
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Nitrite: 0 ppm
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Nitrate: <20 ppm (regular water changes required)
Additional Information:
- They are sometimes confused with the Snowball Pleco (L102), but L201 has smaller and more densely packed white spots.
- High oxygen levels are essential for their health, and they benefit from the addition of an airstone or powerhead.
- They are best kept in aquariums with plenty of caves and shaded areas to mimic their natural hiding behavior.
The L201 Orinoco Angel Pleco is a beautiful and manageable Hypancistrus species that makes an excellent addition to a well-maintained aquarium. With the right care, they will thrive and display their striking coloration for years to come.
