L142 Snowball Pleco (Baryancistrus sp. L142) for Sale in Canada

The L142 Snowball Pleco is a beautiful South American L-number pleco prized for its dramatic dark body and contrasting white spots. The snow-like markings give this pleco its popular common name and make it an eye-catching addition to a dedicated freshwater aquarium.

This attractive Baryancistrus is particularly popular among pleco enthusiasts who enjoy collecting unusual L-number species. Its combination of bold coloration, armored body, sucker mouth, and fascinating bottom-dwelling behaviour makes it a standout fish for an established aquarium.

The L142 benefits from clean, highly oxygenated water, strong filtration, good circulation, hiding places, and a varied diet. Providing caves, rocks, and driftwood can help recreate a secure natural-style environment.

Monster Aquarium Canada offers the L142 Snowball Pleco for Canadian aquarists searching for specialty plecos, rare L-number catfish, and unusual freshwater fish.

---

Why Choose an L142 Snowball Pleco?

A Striking Black-and-White L-Number Pleco

The Snowball Pleco is immediately recognizable by its contrasting spots, which can resemble snowflakes scattered across a dark body.

Key Features

• L-number: L142
• Genus: Baryancistrus
• Common name: Snowball Pleco
• Dark body with contrasting white spots
• Armored body
• Sucker mouth
• Bottom-dwelling freshwater catfish
• Attractive collector species
• Generally peaceful temperament
• Excellent choice for experienced pleco keepers

Spot size, density, and coloration can vary between individual specimens.

---

How Large Does an L142 Snowball Pleco Grow?

A Medium-to-Large Pleco

The L142 Snowball Pleco can grow to approximately 8–10 inches (20–25 cm), depending on genetics, diet, and aquarium conditions.

Although juveniles are relatively small, they should always be purchased with their eventual adult size in mind.

Plan for Adult Growth

An adult L142 benefits from:

• Spacious bottom territory
• Strong filtration
• Excellent oxygenation
• Good water circulation
• Caves and hiding places
• Driftwood and rocks
• Stable water parameters

---

Aquarium Size and Setup

Give Your L142 Plenty of Space

A 75–100 gallon aquarium or larger is a good long-term target for an adult Snowball Pleco, especially in a community aquarium.

Larger aquariums are preferable when keeping multiple plecos or other large bottom-dwelling fish.

Recommended Aquarium Features

• Mature biological filtration
• Strong mechanical filtration
• Good water movement
• High oxygenation
• Smooth rocks
• Aquarium-safe driftwood
• Pleco caves
• Shaded resting areas
• Open bottom territory

Provide several hiding places if other bottom-dwelling fish are present.

---

Water Parameters

Basic L142 Snowball Pleco Care

• Scientific Name: Baryancistrus sp. L142
• Common Name: L142 Snowball Pleco
• L-Number: L142
• Potential Adult Size: Approximately 8–10 inches (20–25 cm)
• Origin: South America
• Temperature: Approximately 26–30°C (79–86°F)
• pH: Approximately 6.0–7.5
• Water Hardness: Soft to moderately hard
• Care Level: Moderate to Advanced
• Temperament: Generally peaceful
• Diet: Omnivorous with a strong vegetable/algae component
• Swimming Level: Bottom
• Activity: Primarily nocturnal or crepuscular

The most important priorities are stable water quality, strong oxygenation, and good filtration.

---

What Does an L142 Snowball Pleco Eat?

Feed a Varied Diet

Snowball Plecos benefit from a balanced diet containing both plant-based and protein-containing foods.

Recommended Foods

• High-quality sinking pleco pellets
• Algae wafers
• Spirulina wafers
• Vegetable-based foods
• Blanched zucchini
• Cucumber
• Green beans
• Specialized pleco foods
• Suitable gel foods
• Occasional protein-rich foods

Feeding Tip

Feed after the aquarium lights have dimmed whenever possible. This allows the L142 to feed naturally and can reduce competition from faster tank mates.

Remove uneaten fresh vegetables before they begin to decay.

---

Behaviour and Temperament

A Peaceful Bottom-Dwelling Pleco

The L142 is generally peaceful with compatible aquarium fish.

During the day, it may remain inside a cave or beneath driftwood. Once the aquarium becomes darker, it can become much more active.

You may see your Snowball Pleco:

• Exploring caves
• Grazing aquarium surfaces
• Searching for food
• Moving across rocks
• Exploring driftwood
• Patrolling its preferred territory

Territorial behaviour may occur between individuals, particularly when hiding places are limited.

---

Compatible Tank Mates

Choose Peaceful Tropical Fish

The L142 can work well with appropriately selected community fish that share similar warm-water requirements.

Potential tank mates include:

• Tetras
• Rasboras
• Silver Dollars
• Peaceful South American cichlids
• Corydoras
• Compatible larger catfish
• Other peaceful tropical fish

Avoid

• Aggressive predators
• Highly territorial cichlids
• Fish that constantly harass bottom dwellers
• Too many competing plecos
• Species requiring significantly cooler water

Always consider the L142’s eventual adult size when selecting companions.

---

L142 Snowball Pleco in a Natural Aquarium

Create a Rocky, High-Oxygen Environment

A natural-style aquarium can beautifully highlight the Snowball Pleco’s contrasting coloration.

Consider adding:

• Smooth river rocks
• Aquarium-safe driftwood
• Pleco caves
• Rock crevices
• Shaded areas
• Hardy aquatic plants
• Strong water circulation
• Open bottom territory

The combination of dark décor and the L142’s white spotting can create an impressive display.

---

Breeding L142 Snowball Plecos

A Specialist Cave-Spawning Project

Breeding L-number plecos can be a rewarding project for experienced aquarists.

A suitable breeding aquarium should provide:

• Mature compatible adults
• Appropriately sized caves
• Excellent water quality
• Strong oxygenation
• Stable warm temperatures
• Nutritious food
• Good circulation
• Minimal stress

Providing several caves can help reduce competition and allow fish to select preferred spawning sites.

---

Why Buy an L142 Snowball Pleco from Monster Aquarium Canada?

Rare L-Number Plecos for Canadian Aquarists

Monster Aquarium Canada specializes in rare freshwater fish, L-number plecos, unusual tropical fish, monster fish, aquarium foods, medications, and specialist aquarium supplies.

A Beautiful Collector Pleco

The L142 Snowball Pleco is an excellent choice for aquarists who want a distinctive freshwater catfish with a dramatic spotted appearance and fascinating nocturnal behaviour.

Its striking black-and-white coloration makes it particularly appealing in planted, rocky, and natural-style aquariums.

Before purchasing, make sure your aquarium is prepared for its potential 8–10 inch adult size, strong filtration requirements, and need for adequate bottom territory.

---

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is an L142 Snowball Pleco?

The L142 Snowball Pleco is a Baryancistrus L-number pleco recognized for its dark body and contrasting white spots.

2. How large does an L142 Snowball Pleco grow?

The L142 can reach approximately 8–10 inches (20–25 cm) as an adult.

3. Is the L142 Snowball Pleco peaceful?

Yes. It is generally peaceful with compatible aquarium fish, although territorial behaviour can occur between plecos.

4. What does an L142 Snowball Pleco eat?

It benefits from sinking pleco foods, algae and spirulina wafers, vegetables, and a varied balanced diet.

5. What aquarium size is recommended for an L142?

A 75–100 gallon aquarium or larger is a good long-term target for an adult, particularly when kept in a community setup.