🐟 Albino Sailfin Pleco (Pterygoplichthys gibbiceps, L165)
🐟 Albino Sailfin Pleco (Pterygoplichthys gibbiceps, L065)
Algae Grazer • Large Display Pleco • Hardy Albino Variant
📋 The Albino Sailfin Pleco L165 (Pterygoplichthys gibbiceps) is a striking color morph of the standard Sailfin Pleco. It is instantly recognizable by its brilliant golden-yellow body, pale cream fins, and red eyes, while still showcasing the impressive sail-like dorsal fin for which the species is famous.
Juveniles are excellent algae grazers, but as adults they need a varied diet including sinking pellets and vegetables. Peaceful by nature, they do well in large community aquariums, though they may show territoriality toward other large plecos.
As with the standard form, the Albino Sailfin Pleco requires a very large tank or pond, strong filtration, and driftwood for rasping. Its unique coloration, impressive size, and long lifespan make it a prized pleco for collectors.
💡 Highlights
✨ Albino morph (gold body + red eyes) – rare variant
⚪ Huge sail-like dorsal fin – iconic pleco feature
📏 Reaches up to 50 cm – requires massive aquariums
✅ Hardy and long-lived – up to 20 years
🐠 Peaceful algae grazer – compatible with large tankmates
🧾 A Quick Look at the Albino Sailfin Pleco
📛 Common Name: Albino Sailfin Pleco / Albino Gibbiceps Pleco
🔬 Scientific Name: Pterygoplichthys gibbiceps (Albino form)
🔎 L-Number: L165 (Albino morph)
👨👩👧 Family: Loricariidae
🌍 Origin: South America (selectively bred albino strain)
📏 Max Size: 45 – 50 cm (≈ 18 – 20")
💧 pH Range: 6.5 – 7.5
🌡️ Temperature Range: 23 – 28 °C (73 – 82 °F)
🧠 Care Level: Moderate (requires very large aquarium)
💖 Temperament: Peaceful, sometimes territorial with other plecos
🏠 Min Tank Size: 380 L (100 US gallons) minimum
📌 Tank Level: Bottom-dweller
🧬 Captive Bred: ✅ Yes
🌿 Wild Caught: ❌ No – albino strain is captive bred
⏳ Lifespan: 15 – 20 years
🍽️ Diet: Omnivore – veggies, occasional protein)
🐣 Reproduction: Rare in home aquaria, bred in large ponds protein)
🐣 Reproduction: Rare in home aquaria, bred in large ponds
