L102 was traded as “Snowball Pleco” around the millennium shift, a nickname referring to the large white spots against a black background. H.inspector (a name referring to the big eyes) is a name widely used for this Rio Negro based type. However, the real H.inspector is a different one, without an L-number. The mystery was revealed some years ago when a large and expensive type of Hypancistrus was exported from Colombia, with collection point being San Felipe in the Casiquiare area – where the H.inspector holotype was collected. L102 is usually collected in the area around Barcelos in Rio Negro, and differs somewhat in appearance from the true H.inspector. L102 has a more compact body shape, usually fewer and larger white spots, a smaller adult size and more prominent black edges to the fins. In L102 one will also often see specimens with a reddish or rusty base colour, these are usually males.
Facts:
Name: Hypancistrus cf. inspector (Armbruster, 2002)
Trade names: L102, Snowball Pleco
Origin: Rio Negro, Brazil.
Maximum size: 15 cm / 6”
For some time there was confusion whether or not the name H.inspector belonged to L102, L201, L501 or the later described H.contradens. This confusion remains among less experienced fishkeepers. Even in the original description of H.inspector there is a picture of a H.contradens catalogued as a “nontype”. It’s possible that L102 and L501 are both forms of H.inspector, but the morphological differences between these and the Casiquiare type cause debate. Us fishkeepers should certainly avoid mixing the different types in captivity.
L102 needs an aquarium set up consisting of lots of hiding places in the form of rocks, wood and of course specially made caves that suit their measurements. In these the males will eventually guard their offspring. They prefer water that is warm (26-30 C), soft and slightly acidic. Most of all it should be well oxygenated and clean, so a good filtration system and frequent water changes are essential. Among themselves they are peaceful, although males may quarrel for caves and females can sometimes be badly injured or even killed during the breeding-trapping in the male’s cave.
https://www.planetcatfish.com/common/species.php?species_id=204
https://www.l-welse.com/reviewpost/showproduct.php/product/114
https://www.aquariumglaser.de/en/fisharchive/hypancistrus-inspector-l102-snowball-pleco-2
https://www.scotcat.com/loricariidae/hypancistrus_inspector.htm