🐟 Albino Common Pleco (Hypostomus plecostomus – Albino Morph)
🐟 Albino Common Pleco (Hypostomus plecostomus – Albino Morph)
Algae Grazer • Large Display Pleco • Hardy Albino Variant
📋 The Albino Common Pleco (Hypostomus plecostomus) is a popular large pleco variety, recognized by its pale golden to cream-colored body and red eyes. Like the standard Common Pleco, it can reach impressive sizes of up to 60 cm, making it unsuitable for small aquariums.
When young, they are effective algae grazers, but as they grow, they require supplemental feeding with vegetables and sinking foods. They are generally peaceful but may become territorial with other plecos in confined spaces.
Their albino coloration adds a unique visual appeal to large aquariums, making them a collector’s choice for aquarists with the space and equipment to house them long-term.
💡 Highlights
✨ Albino morph (golden body, red eyes) – rare variant of the Common Pleco
⚪ Powerful algae grazer – especially effective when young
📏 Can grow up to 60 cm – requires very large tanks or ponds
✅ Hardy and adaptable – long-lived with proper care
🐠 Peaceful community fish – though territorial with other plecos
🧾 A Quick Look at the Albino Common Pleco
📛 Common Name: Albino Common Pleco
🔬 Scientific Name: Hypostomus plecostomus (Albino form)
👨👩👧 Family: Loricariidae
🌍 Origin: South America (Brazil, Guyana, Suriname)
📏 Max Size: 45 – 60 cm (≈ 18 – 24")
💧 pH Range: 6.5 – 7.5
🌡️ Temperature Range: 23 – 28 °C (73 – 82 °F)
🧠 Care Level: Moderate (requires large aquarium or pond)
💖 Temperament: Peaceful, though territorial with other plecos
🏠 Min Tank Size: 380 L (100 US gallons) minimum
📌 Tank Level: Bottom-dweller
🧬 Captive Bred: ✅ Yes
🌿 Wild Caught: ❌ No – albino morph is tank-bred only
⏳ Lifespan: 10 – 15 years
🍽️ Diet: Omnivore (algae, sinking pellets, vegetables, occasional protein)
🐣 Reproduction: Rare in home aquaria
