Albino Common Pleco

The albino common pleco is a large, creamy-yellow freshwater catfish with pink or red eyes. It reaches 12 to 18 inches long, requires a very large tank (100+ gallons), and eats algae, vegetables, and sinking wafers. People often confuse it with the smaller albino bristlenose pleco.

Appearance and Size

• Color: Creamy white or light yellow body with pink or red eyes due to a lack of melanin.
• Size: Grows massive, reaching 12 to 18 inches (30 to 46 cm) as an adult.
• Body: Robust, elongated body covered in bony armor plates with a specialized ventral suckermouth.

Tank and Care Requirements

• Tank Size: Minimum of 100 gallons is required due to their massive adult size and heavy waste production.
• Water Parameters: Prefers a temperature of 72°F to 82°F (22°C to 28°C) and a neutral pH of 6.5 to 7.5.
• Behavior: Peaceful and solitary, though they are nocturnal and need hiding spots like driftwood or caves during the day.

Diet

• Algae and Veggies: Grazes on tank algae, but needs supplemental feeding with zucchini, spinach, peas, and algae wafers.
• Wood: Requires aquarium driftwood to chew on for essential fiber and digestion.