Albino Sailfin Pleco

Albino Sailfin Pleco (Pterygoplichthys Gibbiceps)

The Albino Sailfin Pleco is a captivating variant of the Sailfin Pleco, known for its striking albino coloration and stunning red eyes. This peaceful, bottom-dwelling fish is native to the Rio Pacaya in Peru, South America. It stands out with its whitish-silver coloration, which becomes more pronounced as the fish matures. A fully grown Sailfin Pleco can be between 13 to 19 inches and live 15 to 20 years.

Sailfin Plecos are generally peaceful and are more active at night. During the day, they often hide under logs or other hiding spots. They can become territorial with each other, especially if they don't have enough space, so providing a large enough tank is important. The recommended tank size for these fish is at least 100 gallons.

Regarding tankmates, Sailfin Plecos are compatible with various species due to their peaceful nature. Some suitable companions include Clown Loach, Kuhli Loach, Black Skirt Tetra, Honey Gourami, Bloodfin Tetra, Silver Dollar Fish, Sparkling Gourami, Green Terror Cichlid (given enough space), Pearl Gourami, and Congo Tetra.

These fish are omnivores and are not picky eaters. They primarily feed on algae, making them excellent natural cleaners for your aquarium. However, they will also consume other food items they come across, including vegetables like cucumbers and zucchini, and even occasional meaty foods like insects.

The ideal habitat for a Sailfin Pleco is a well-decorated aquarium with plenty of hiding spots. They appreciate a fine sand or smooth gravel substrate. Smooth rocks, slate, terracotta pipes, and caves are also appreciated for providing cover and for algae to grow on. Resilient and rapidly growing plants such as Hornwort, Java fern, Java moss, Amazon sword, and Wisteria make excellent decorative choices. Their robust nature ensures they remain firmly anchored in the substrate, even when the fish are rummaging for food. Due to their sedentary nature, the water current should be slow to moderate. The lighting should be moderate to mimic their natural habitat.

When fully grown, the Sailfin Pleco needs an aquarium with a minimum size of 100 gallons or larger. In terms of water parameters, they prefer a pH range between 6.5 and 7.5. The water hardness should be within the range of 9 to 19 dGH, and a temperature of 73-86°F (23-30°C). They are quite hardy and can tolerate some degree of change in these parameters, but stability is key to their health.