Here’s a sharp, straightforward care guide for the Hypancistrus contradens, also known as the Orinoco Polka-Dot Pleco—a smaller, attractive pleco with a peaceful personality and eye-catching spots.
Hypancistrus contradens (Orinoco Polka-Dot Pleco) Care Guide
Common Names:
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Orinoco Polka-Dot Pleco
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Contradens Pleco
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L201 variant (often confused but distinct)
Scientific Name: Hypancistrus contradens
Origin: Upper Orinoco River, Venezuela
Size: 4–5 inches (10–13 cm)
Lifespan: 8–10 years
Temperament: Peaceful, territorial with other Hypancistrus
Tank Setup
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Tank Size: 20–30 gallons minimum for one, larger if keeping a group
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Substrate: Sand or fine gravel
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Decor:
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Caves, stacked rocks, driftwood
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Multiple hiding spots are essential
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Plants: Plant-safe and compatible with planted setups
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Lighting: Low to moderate—they prefer shaded areas
Water Parameters
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Temperature: 78–86°F (25–30°C)
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pH: 6.0–7.2
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Hardness: Soft to moderate (3–10 dGH)
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Filtration: Strong and well-oxygenated
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Water Changes: 30–50% weekly—stable, clean water is critical
Diet
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Feeding Style: Omnivorous with a meaty preference
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Staple Foods:
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High-quality sinking carnivore pellets
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Frozen/live foods (bloodworms, brine shrimp, chopped shrimp)
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Occasional blanched veggies (zucchini, cucumber)
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Feeding Frequency: 1–2 times daily in small amounts
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Note: Not an algae eater—don’t rely on them for tank cleanup
Behavior & Tankmates
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Activity: Mostly nocturnal but can adapt to daytime in calm setups
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Temperament: Peaceful; may guard caves if others get too close
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Good Tankmates:
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Peaceful community fish: tetras, rasboras, small cichlids
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Avoid: Aggressive or larger plecos competing for space
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Group Keeping: Can be kept with others of the same species if enough space and hides are provided
Breeding
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Spawning Type: Cave spawner
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Breeding Setup: Warm, soft water with heavy feeding and a tight cave system
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Parental Care: Males guard eggs and fan them
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Fry Feeding: Start with baby brine shrimp and powdered fry foods
Care Tips
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Provide at least one cave per pleco—territorial behavior shows during breeding or feeding
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Don’t skip protein—this species needs meat in its diet
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Keep water highly oxygenated and free of ammonia/nitrite spikes
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Easy to confuse with L201 and similar Hypancistrus—spot pattern is the main ID
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