Pleco-Snowball - L201 (50-70mm)

All our fish, shrimp and corals are bagged with fresh oxygen as well as a heat pack in winter.

When ordering livestock please select the box size and add it to your cart for accurate overnight (1-2 days) shipping costs. A small box can take 1-2 bags and a medium box 6 bags. One bag fits max 10 small (1-3cm) fish or max 2 medium (3-5cm) fish or max 1 large (>5cm) fish.

ONE SPECIES PER BAG. Eg: One bag of 10 neon tetra

Snowball Pleco (Panaque sp. "Snowball")

Description:

• Appearance:

  • Size: Typically grows to about 6-8 inches (15-20 cm) in length.
  • Color: Body is dark brown to black with distinctive white or cream-colored spots that resemble snowballs.
  • Body Shape: Robust and slightly flattened with a broad head and prominent pectoral fins.

• Behavior:

  • Activity Level: Mostly nocturnal; more active during the night.
  • Social Behavior: Generally peaceful and can be territorial. Prefers having its own space and hiding spots.

Care Requirements:

• Tank Size:

  • Minimum: 40 gallons (151 liters). A larger tank is preferable to accommodate their size and provide ample hiding spots.

• Tank Setup:

  • Substrate: Soft, sandy substrate is best to prevent damage to their undersides.
  • Decorations: Provide plenty of hiding places using driftwood, rocks, and caves. They are known to be fond of areas to hide and feel secure.
  • Plants: Hardy plants can be included but should be anchored securely. They may occasionally disturb or uproot plants.

• Water Parameters:

  • Temperature: 74-80°F (23-27°C). Maintain a stable temperature within this range.
  • pH: 6.0-7.5. Slightly acidic to neutral water is ideal.
  • Hardness: Soft to moderately hard water.
  • Filtration: Strong filtration is necessary to keep the water clean, but avoid strong currents. Use a sponge filter if needed to reduce water flow.

• Diet:

  • Primary Food: Herbivorous. Provide a diet rich in vegetable matter such as algae wafers, spirulina pellets, and blanched vegetables (e.g., zucchini, cucumber).
  • Supplemental Food: Occasionally offer protein-rich foods like bloodworms or brine shrimp, particularly for juveniles or during growth spurts.

• Behavioral Considerations:

  • Compatibility: Peaceful with other non-aggressive fish. Suitable tank mates include peaceful community fish like tetras, rasboras, and other smaller species.
  • Tank Mates: Avoid aggressive or fin-nipping fish. Ensure there are enough hiding spots to reduce territorial disputes.

• Tank Maintenance:

  • Water Changes: Perform regular water changes of 25-30% weekly to maintain water quality and reduce waste.
  • Cleaning: Keep the tank clean and ensure the filter is functioning properly.

• Health Care:

  • Observation: Monitor for any signs of illness or stress, such as changes in behavior, loss of appetite, or visible abnormalities.
  • Treatment: Maintain excellent water quality to prevent diseases. Consult with an aquarium specialist if health issues arise.

• Additional Notes:

  • Lifespan: Typically 10-15 years with proper care.
  • Breeding: Breeding in captivity is uncommon and requires specific conditions. Providing ample hiding spots and maintaining optimal water conditions is crucial if attempting to breed.