How to Identify Albino Common Pleco

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

Physical Characteristics

Body shape

flat

Coloration

Uniformly pale white to yellowish-white, often with a translucent quality. Eyes are typically red or pink due to the absence of pigment in the iris.

Scale type

none

Mouth position

inferior

Distinctive features

Absence of melanin pigment (albinism), Red or pink eyes, Bony plates covering the body (armor), Ventral suckermouth, Large dorsal fin

Dorsal fin

Large and sail-like, typically with one spine and 7-8 soft rays. Can be held erect or folded back.

Tail fin

Forked or emarginate, often with the lower lobe slightly longer.

Pectoral fin

Broad and fan-like, positioned ventrally, with a strong spine and soft rays.

Distinctive fins

Adipose fin present, small and located between the dorsal and caudal fins. Pelvic fins are also present and ventrally located.

Identification Tips

1. 1

   Coloration

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

2. 2

   Body Armor

   Like all plecos, their bodies are covered in bony plates, giving them an armored appearance, which is clearly visible even in albino forms.

3. 3

   Suckermouth

   The distinctive ventral suckermouth is used for adhesion and scraping, a hallmark of the Loricariidae family.

4. 4

   Dorsal Fin

   The large, sail-like dorsal fin is characteristic of Hypostomus species.

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