Common Name: Albino L333 King Tiger Pleco
Scientific Name: Hypancistrus sp. (L333)
Other Names: L333 (albino form)
The Albino L333 King Tiger Pleco is a captive-bred albino form of the popular L333 King Tiger Pleco. L333 King Tiger Plecos are known for a bold, highly variable pattern. This albino form shows that pattern in pale yellow and white tones, with the red eyes typical of albinos. Like other plecos, it has an armored body and a sucker-like mouth that it uses to cling to surfaces and graze.
Habitat and Distribution:
The wild form of L333 comes from the Rio Xingu in Brazil, where Hypancistrus plecos live among rocks in warm, flowing, well-oxygenated water. This albino form is captive-bred. These habitats provide plenty of surfaces for grazing and crevices for shelter, and the flowing water keeps oxygen levels high.
Size and Lifespan:
Adults reach about 5 inches (13 cm). Hypancistrus plecos commonly live 10-15 years with good care.
Diet and Behavior:
L333 is an omnivore that leans toward meaty foods, feeding on small invertebrates and detritus in the wild. In the aquarium, offer sinking pellets, frozen bloodworms and brine shrimp, with some vegetables. It is peaceful toward other fish, but territorial with other plecos, so provide caves. Feed a varied diet and remove uneaten food promptly to protect water quality.
Breeding and Reproduction:
Plecos of this type are cave spawners. The female lays a clutch of eggs inside a cave or crevice, and the male guards and fans the eggs and then the newly hatched fry until they are ready to leave. Providing several caves, excellent water quality and good water movement gives the best chance of spawning.
Aquarium Care and Tank Requirements:
A tank of at least 30 gallons is recommended. Provide plenty of driftwood, caves and rockwork, a sand or fine gravel substrate, and efficient filtration with good water movement and high oxygen levels. Regular water changes are essential to maintain water quality. The water temperature should be kept between 79-86°F (26-30°C), with a pH of 6.0-7.5 and soft to moderately hard water. New arrivals should be acclimated slowly.
Ideal Tank Mates:
They can be kept with a wide range of peaceful community fish, such as tetras, rasboras, corydoras, dwarf cichlids and other small catfish. Provide a cave for each pleco and avoid housing them with large, aggressive species that may stress or injure them. As with any aquarium, introduce new fish carefully and watch for signs of stress or aggression.
Difficulty Level:
Intermediate. Captive-bred Hypancistrus are hardy, but they need warm, clean, well-oxygenated water. It is well suited to aquarists with some experience who can maintain stable water conditions.
Water Parameters:
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Temperature: 79-86°F (26-30°C)
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pH: 6.0-7.5
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General Hardness (GH): 2-10 dGH
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Carbonate Hardness (KH): 2-6 dKH
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Ammonia: 0 ppm
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Nitrite: 0 ppm
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Nitrate: <20 ppm (regular water changes required)
Additional Information:
- Like other Hypancistrus, it appreciates strong flow and high oxygen levels.
- Hypancistrus are carnivore-leaning plecos and are not effective algae eaters.
- It is most active in the evening, which is the best time to feed.
The Albino L333 King Tiger Pleco is a bright, eye-catching captive-bred pleco for small to medium aquariums. With the right setup and care, it will be a rewarding addition for many years.
