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Inspector Pleco

Hypancistrus inspector

Freshwater South America

A striking suckermouth catfish displaying large, creamy polka dots on a dark body and enlarged, dark-rimmed eyes. Unusually for plecos, it is primarily a carnivore rather than an algae grazer. It requires warm, heavily oxygenated water with strong flow and meaty sinking foods like bloodworm and pellets.

12 cm adult length, drawn to scale. flat body.

Try it in the planner Opens a tank sized to its minimum with 1 fish added.

What it needs

ItemValueBecause
Adult length 12 cm Used for the Space check: the tank must be long enough for the fish to turn round.
Smallest tank 120 L, at least 80 cm long estimated The least water and floor length this species is kept in for good, as a single fish or smallest group.
Extra water per added fish 20 L estimated What each further fish adds once the minimum is met.
Waste load Class 2 of 5 estimated How much waste an adult makes against its size. Feeds the Load check.
Temperature 26 to 30 C Stock sharing a tank need overlapping ranges.
pH 5.5 to 7.2 Compared with tankmates in the Water check.
Hardness GH 2 to 10, KH 1 to 4 Degrees of general and carbonate hardness.
Flow High Low-flow fish are stressed in a strong current.
Light Dim Matched to the lighting class on the needs sheet.
Group size Single fish is fine Not a schooling species.
Temperament Peaceful Territorial: weak.
Swims in Near the bottom Fish that use different levels share a tank more easily.
Lifespan About 10 years A fish is a long commitment.
Experience Some experience helps A guide to how forgiving the species is of mistakes.

Tags marked estimated are judged from the size and habits of the species rather than measured, so treat them as a sensible default.

Diet and tank layout

Inspector Pleco is an carnivore that swims in the lowest part of the tank. It is safe with plants. Give it plenty of cover.

Tankmates

Works with

Depends

Avoid

Compare any two fish on the compatibility page, or print the equipment for a stock on the needs sheet. How this is worked out: the method.