Snow King Pleco

The snow king pleco is a large Pterygoplichthys with a "snowy" look created by irregular light-colored patches on a dark background. In the trade and in older sources it mostly appears under the name P. anisitsi or Liposarcus anisitsi; this name is now considered a synonym of P. ambrosettii.

Adults can reach 40 cm standard length and 45 cm or more including the tail. Because it comes from cooler waters in the south, tropical aquariums kept constantly at 27–28°C do not suit it.

• At least 600 liters and 200 cm length for one adult; a pond is also suitable.
• 21–24°C, a very powerful filter and frequent water changes.
• Large roots and sturdy caves; it uproots and eats plants.

An omnivore leaning toward a herbivorous diet. Make algae and vegetable tablets, blanched zucchini, potato, cucumber and spinach the staple; frozen food can be given occasionally.

Peaceful toward other species; as it grows it becomes territorial toward its own kind and other large bottom dwellers.

Good companions: Large fish that like cool to temperate water: large barbs, subtropical cichlids, large rainbowfish (in a very large aquarium).

Avoid: Small aquariums, warm-water species such as discus, slow, flat-bodied fish, planted layouts.