Orinoco Angel Pleco (L201)

Care at a glance

Overview

A striking mid-size Hypancistrus for a tank of about 115 liters, often kept in small groups. Feed a protein-forward diet of sinking carnivore pellets, frozen bloodworms, brine shrimp, and gel foods, with only occasional vegetable matter. Mostly peaceful but territorial around caves, so provide one hide per fish.

In the wild

Lives in warm, rocky, fast-flowing stretches of the upper Orinoco, hiding in stone crevices during the day. Like other Hypancistrus it is a carnivore, taking insect larvae and small invertebrates rather than grazing algae. Wants caves, some flow, and clean oxygenated water.

Good to know

An undescribed Hypancistrus traded as L201, showing a black body covered in large round white polka dots. It is sometimes called snowball, a name it shares with the unrelated L102 Hypancistrus inspector, so hobbyists often add Orinoco angel to tell them apart. It grows a little larger than most spotted Hypancistrus at around 14 to 16 cm.

Did you know

The shared snowball name causes constant mix-ups at the shop, but L201 has bigger, rounder white spots and a slimmer body than the true snowball L102.

Related species

• Snowball pleco (L102)

  Hypancistrus inspector

  5.9 in (15 cm)30 gal (113 L)75–82°F (24–28°C)

• 

  King tiger pleco (L066)

  Hypancistrus sp. L066

  5.1 in (13 cm)40 gal (150 L)79–84°F (26–29°C)
• Colombian Zebra Pleco (L129)

  Hypancistrus debilittera

  3.5 in (9 cm)20 gal (75 L)79–86°F (26–30°C)
• Mega Clown Pleco (L340)

  Hypancistrus sp. L340

  3.5 in (9 cm)20 gal (75 L)79–86°F (26–30°C)
• Queen Arabesque Pleco (L260)

  Hypancistrus sp. L260

  3.9 in (10 cm)20 gal (75 L)79–86°F (26–30°C)

• 

  Zebra pleco

  Hypancistrus zebra

  3.1 in (8 cm)15 gal (55 L)79–86°F (26–30°C)