The L471 White Spotted Dwarf Hypancistrus Pleco (Hypancistrus sp.), also known as the Mini Snowball Pleco, is an extra small member of the Loricariidae family of South American suckermouth catfishes. Its solid black body is covered in bright white polka dots, making it a very striking fish for the planted or nano aquarium. It is among the smallest of the “pleco” species, reaching an adult size of a maximum 2.4 inches (10 cm), which is less than half the size of the next smallest “Snowball Pleco” species. Like many plecos, the White Spotted Dwarf Hypancistrus Pleco has generally been a wild-caught species, but we are proud to be among the first stores to offer superior tank-raised juveniles at a MUCH lower cost than wild-caught specimens! A generally peaceful and hardy species, the White Spotted Dwarf Hypancistrus Pleco is an excellent, undemanding candidate for most aquariums. Unlike the widely-seen Common Pleco (Hypostomus plecostomus) and Trinidad Pleco (Hypostomus punctatus), which easily reach a monstrous size of 18 to 20+ inches (45 to 51+ cm), the White Spotted Dwarf Hypancistrus Pleco grows to a size of only 3.9 inches (10 cm). This smaller size makes for a much more manageable (and less messy) pleco that can thrive permanently in a well-maintained aquarium as small as 15-20 gallons. Male plecos may be somewhat territorial with other males of their species, but disputes can usually be diffused by providing ample territory and hiding places for each fish. All other fish tankmates will be generally ignored, although it is possible that juvenile and subadult dwarf shrimp will fall prey to the White Spotted Dwarf Hypancistrus Pleco. However, ornamental snails will not be bothered and large Amano, Green Lace, Flower, and Vampire Shrimp are unthreatened by the White Spotted Dwarf Hypancistrus Pleco. Please note that this fish requires a significantly warmer temperature than some other fish and invertebrates, especially subtropical species. Some shrimp will not thrive in these high temperatures.