L471 Mini Snowball Pleco (Hypancistrus sp. L471) – Compact, Peaceful Pleco with Bright White Spots
The L471 Mini Snowball Pleco is a petite and peaceful member of the Hypancistrus genus, prized for its jet-black body adorned with bright white polka dots. Staying smaller than most other plecos, this dwarf species typically maxes out at around 3–3.5 inches, making it ideal for nano tanks, aquascapes, and peaceful community setups.
Unlike common plecos, L471s are carnivorous and prefer a protein-rich diet. They enjoy shady caves and driftwood, are active during low light, and coexist well with shrimp and other gentle tankmates. Their manageable size, striking pattern, and calm personality make them a favorite for both new and experienced aquarists.
Scientific Name:Hypancistrus sp. L471
Common Name: Mini Snowball Pleco
Adult Size: ~3–3.5 inches
Size Shipped: ~1.25–2 inches
Temperament: Peaceful, shy bottom-dweller
Lifespan: 8–10+ years
Swimming Level: Bottom
Origin: Tank-bred
Temperature: 78°F – 84°F (25.5°C – 29°C)
pH: 6.4 – 7.4
GH: 4 – 10
KH: 2 – 6
Tank Size: 15+ gallons
Setup: Driftwood, caves, low light hiding spots
Filtration: Moderate to strong flow, well-oxygenated
✔ Compact size – great for small or planted tanks
✔ Striking black-and-white contrast
✔ Peaceful and shrimp-safe
✔ Protein-loving pleco – no algae scraping required
✔ Great for collectors and nano aquarium enthusiasts
Sinking carnivore pellets or wafers
Frozen or live foods: bloodworms, brine shrimp, daphnia
Occasional Repashy gel foods or shrimp sticks
Feed once daily, preferably after lights out
The L471 Mini Snowball Pleco is the perfect option for aquarists who want all the beauty and personality of a Hypancistrus pleco in a smaller, more manageable size. Whether you're building a nano aquascape or want a peaceful bottom-dweller that pops under aquarium lighting, this mini pleco is an excellent pick.
L471 Mini Snowball Pleco (Hypancistrus sp. L471) – Compact, Peaceful Pleco with Bright White Spots
The L471 Mini Snowball Pleco is a petite and peaceful member of the Hypancistrus genus, prized for its jet-black body adorned with bright white polka dots. Staying smaller than most other plecos, this dwarf species typically maxes out at around 3–3.5 inches, making it ideal for nano tanks, aquascapes, and peaceful community setups.
Unlike common plecos, L471s are carnivorous and prefer a protein-rich diet. They enjoy shady caves and driftwood, are active during low light, and coexist well with shrimp and other gentle tankmates. Their manageable size, striking pattern, and calm personality make them a favorite for both new and experienced aquarists.
Scientific Name:Hypancistrus sp. L471
Common Name: Mini Snowball Pleco
Adult Size: ~3–3.5 inches
Size Shipped: ~1.25–2 inches
Temperament: Peaceful, shy bottom-dweller
Lifespan: 8–10+ years
Swimming Level: Bottom
Origin: Tank-bred
Temperature: 78°F – 84°F (25.5°C – 29°C)
pH: 6.4 – 7.4
GH: 4 – 10
KH: 2 – 6
Tank Size: 15+ gallons
Setup: Driftwood, caves, low light hiding spots
Filtration: Moderate to strong flow, well-oxygenated
✔ Compact size – great for small or planted tanks
✔ Striking black-and-white contrast
✔ Peaceful and shrimp-safe
✔ Protein-loving pleco – no algae scraping required
✔ Great for collectors and nano aquarium enthusiasts
Sinking carnivore pellets or wafers
Frozen or live foods: bloodworms, brine shrimp, daphnia
Occasional Repashy gel foods or shrimp sticks
Feed once daily, preferably after lights out
The L471 Mini Snowball Pleco is the perfect option for aquarists who want all the beauty and personality of a Hypancistrus pleco in a smaller, more manageable size. Whether you're building a nano aquascape or want a peaceful bottom-dweller that pops under aquarium lighting, this mini pleco is an excellent pick.
