Snowflake Pleco - Baryancistrus niveatus

Scientific name: Baryancistrus niveatus

Common name: Snowflake Pleco

Family: Loricariidae

Usual size in fish tanks: 20 - 25 cm (7.87 - 9.84 inch)

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Recommended pH range: 6.2 - 7.5

Recommended water hardness: 4 - 16°N (71.43 - 285.71ppm)

0°C 32°F30°C 86°F

Recommended temperature range: 24 - 30 °C (75.2 - 86°F)

The way how these fish reproduce: Spawning

Where the species comes from: South America

Temperament to its own species: aggressive/territorial

Temperament toward other fish species: peaceful

Usual place in the tank: Bottom levels

Overview

Baryancistrus niveatus, commonly known as the Snowflake Pleco (L142), is a large loricariid catfish from the Amazon basin in Brazil. It is named for its striking dark body patterned with white to yellowish spots, resembling snowflakes. This species is often confused with smaller Ancistrus “bristlenoses,” but it grows significantly larger and has different husbandry requirements.

Care & Tank Setup

Tank size: Adults require at least 250 l / 65 gal. For long-term care, 350–450 l / 90–120 gal is preferable, especially if keeping more than one.
Water parameters: pH 6.2–7.5, hardness 4–16 °dGH, temperature 24–30 °C (75–86 °F). Stable warm water and high oxygenation are essential.
Aquascape: Provide abundant hiding places using caves, driftwood, and rockwork. Essential to include bogwood/driftwood, which they rasp on to aid digestion.
Filtration: Strong filtration and moderate current replicate natural river conditions. Perform regular large water changes.

Diet & Feeding

An omnivore with a preference for plant matter. In the aquarium, they accept:

Staples: Algae wafers, sinking vegetable-based pellets, spirulina tabs.
Vegetables: Zucchini, cucumber, spinach, peas — offered regularly.
Protein (occasional): Bloodworms, brine shrimp, chopped prawns or mussels. Feed sparingly to avoid digestive issues.

Behavior & Compatibility

Conspecifics: Juveniles tolerate each other, but adults are territorial, especially males. Best to keep one per tank unless in very large systems with multiple caves.
Other fish: Peaceful toward non-bottom dwellers. Avoid combining with highly aggressive cichlids that may outcompete them for territory.

Sexing

External sexing is difficult. Mature males may have broader heads and more extensive odontodes (dermal teeth) along the body and pectoral fin rays compared to females.

Breeding

Believed to be cave spawners, with males guarding adhesive eggs until hatching. Successful aquarium breeding is extremely rare and requires very large tanks, pristine water, and specialized conditions. Most specimens in the hobby are wild-caught.

Lifespan

With excellent care, the Snowflake Pleco can live 10–15 years, sometimes longer.

Origin

Endemic to Brazil’s Amazon basin, especially the lower Rio Tapajós, Tocantins, and Xingu rivers. Found in fast-flowing, oxygen-rich waters with rocky and woody substrates.

Short description

The Snowflake Pleco is a striking and hardy species when provided with space, oxygen-rich warm water, and plenty of wood to rasp. Territorial toward its own kind but peaceful with most other fish, it is best suited to advanced aquarists with large aquaria.

Similar species & trade confusion

Baryancistrus niveatus is sometimes confused with other spotted plecos such as the Gold Nugget Pleco (Baryancistrus xanthellus, L018/L081/L177) or the Galaxy Pleco (Leporacanthicus galaxias, L007). True Snowflake Plecos (L142) can be distinguished by their larger size potential, denser snowflake-like spotting, and requirement for abundant driftwood. Hobbyists should confirm identification before purchase to avoid mismatches in care and adult size.