Albino Chocolate Pleco

Appearance

• Coloration: It has a light, pale body color with a hint of pink or yellow, typical of albino variants, lacking pigment. The "chocolate" refers to a darker tone in some individuals.
• Size: They typically grow up to 4-5 inches (10-13 cm).
• Body Features: These plecos have a flattened body with a sucker-shaped mouth, perfect for clinging to aquarium surfaces. Males develop distinctive, fleshy bristles on their heads, which are less prominent or absent in females.

Habitat

• Origin: Albino Chocolate Plecos are usually bred from captive species of Bristlenose Plecos, which are native to the rivers and streams of South America.
• Tank Size: They need a minimum tank size of 20 gallons, but more space is beneficial.
• Substrate & Decoration: They enjoy soft substrates like sand and plenty of hiding spots such as driftwood, rocks, and plants. They’re great at algae control, as they spend much of their time sucking on surfaces in the tank.

Behavior

• Temperament: Generally peaceful and non-aggressive, making them a great choice for community tanks.
• Activity: They are more active at night but will graze during the day.

Diet

• Diet: Primarily herbivorous, these plecos feed on algae, plant matter, and biofilm in the tank. They can be supplemented with sinking algae wafers, vegetables like zucchini or cucumber, and some protein sources (like shrimp pellets) on occasion.

Water Parameters

• Temperature: 73-80°F (23-27°C).
• pH: 6.5 to 7.5.
• Hardness: 2-12 dGH.