L471 Dwarf Snowball Pleco
The L471 Dwarf Snowball Pleco is a small spotted Hypancistrus catfish. It benefits from caves, warm clean water and deliberate feeding with small sinking foods.
 
Key Features
Scientific Name: Hypancistrus sp. — L471
Armoured bottom-dwelling catfish
Enjoys shelters and caves
Needs deliberate feeding
Adult Size: Around 6cm standard length
 
Care Requirements
Temperature: 25–27°C as a general keeping target
pH: 6.0–7.5 as a general keeping target
Recommended Tank Size: 80L or larger for one fish; more space for a group
Diet: Small protein-rich sinking foods and suitable aquatic frozen foods
 
Temperament
Usually compatible with appropriately chosen fish, but may compete with other bottom dwellers for caves and food. Provide separate territories and monitor behaviour.
 
Notes
Use a mature aquarium with reliable filtration, high oxygen levels and regular partial water changes.
Provide multiple shelters, with extra space when keeping more than one fish.
Do not rely on algae or uneaten food as the complete diet.
Keep different L-number breeding strains separate to reduce hybridisation risk.