How to Identify Albino Common Pleco

To identify Albino Common Pleco (Hypostomus plecostomus (variedad albina)), look at these key features.

Physical Characteristics

Body shape

flat

Coloration

Albino; typically white to yellowish-pink body with red or pink eyes. Some individuals may show faint, translucent patterns.

Scale type

none

Mouth position

inferior

Distinctive features

Albino coloration (lack of melanin), Red or pink eyes, Body covered in bony plates (scutes), Large, ventral suckermouth, Dorsal fin with a strong spine and soft rays, Adipose fin present

Dorsal fin

Large, sail-like dorsal fin with one strong spine and 7 soft rays. Can be held erect or folded.

Tail fin

Forked caudal fin, often with the lower lobe slightly longer.

Pectoral fin

Large, fan-like pectoral fins with a strong spine and soft rays.

Distinctive fins

Presence of an adipose fin, characteristic of Loricariidae. Pelvic fins are also present and well-developed.

Identification Tips

1. 1

   Coloration

   The most obvious identifying feature is the complete lack of dark pigmentation, resulting in a white, cream, or yellowish-pink body and red or pink eyes.

2. 2

   Body Armor

   Like all plecos, its body is covered in rows of bony plates (scutes) instead of scales, providing a rough texture.

3. 3

   Suckermouth

   A large, ventral suckermouth equipped with rasping teeth, used for adhering to surfaces and scraping algae/biofilm.

4. 4

   Fin Structure

   Possesses a prominent, sail-like dorsal fin and an adipose fin, distinguishing it from some other catfish families.

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