Description
🐟 Common Albino Pleco (Hypostomus plecostomus)
📌 Basic Info
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Scientific Name: Hypostomus plecostomus (Albino variety)
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Family: Loricariidae
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Origin: South America (Amazon & surrounding river systems, selectively bred for albino trait)
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Size: 15 – 18 inches (38 – 45 cm)
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Lifespan: 10 – 15 years
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Tank Zone: Bottom dweller
🌊 Water Parameters
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TDS: 150 – 300 ppm
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pH: 6.5 – 7.8
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Temperature: 23 – 28°C (74 – 82°F)
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Hardness: 5 – 20 dGH
🐟 Characteristics
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Creamy white to golden body with pinkish/red eyes (albino trait).
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Much larger than Bristlenose Plecos, so they need bigger tanks.
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Very hardy and known for algae cleaning, especially in early life.
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Becomes more omnivorous with age, eating both algae and meaty foods.
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Peaceful, but large size can disturb small fish unintentionally.
🍽️ Food
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Type: Omnivorous
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Diet: Algae wafers, sinking pellets, blanched zucchini, cucumber, peas, spinach, driftwood for fiber, and occasional protein (shrimp, bloodworms).
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Feeding: Once daily; remove uneaten veggies after 24 hours.
🛠️ Maintenance
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Tank Size: Minimum 75 – 100 gallons (they grow very large).
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Filtration: Strong filtration & high oxygenation (they produce a lot of waste).
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Decor: Driftwood, rocks, caves, and hiding spots.
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Water Change: 30–40% weekly to maintain water quality.
👥 Social Behavior
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Minimum Group Size: Best kept singly due to size; can be housed with other large peaceful fish.
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Tank Mates: Oscars, Silver Dollars, Angelfish, Gouramis, large Tetras, other peaceful cichlids.
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Avoid: Tiny fish (may get eaten by accident) and very aggressive species.
✅ Do’s
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Provide a large tank – they outgrow small aquariums quickly.
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Offer both plant-based and protein foods.
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Give hiding spaces (logs, caves, driftwood).
❌ Don’ts
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Don’t keep in small tanks under 50 gallons.
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Don’t rely only on algae for their diet.
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Don’t overcrowd with other bottom dwellers in tight spaces.
⭐ Quick Tips
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One of the largest pleco types, so plan tank size carefully.
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Great algae cleaner when young but needs extra diet as it grows.
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Hardy, long-living, and suitable for big community or cichlid tanks
