Black with white spots is a pattern type found in many Hypancistrus species, including this one. H.inspector (a name referring to the big eyes) is a name widely used for the Rio Negro based type also known as L102. 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. It’s somewhat different in appearance from L102, with a longer and more elongated body shape, more numerous spots, a larger adult size and less prominent black edge on the fins.
Facts:
Name: Hypancistrus inspector (Armbruster, 2002)
Trade names: Snowball Pleco
Origin: Rio Negro, Brazil, Casiquiare channel (Rio Guainia), Brazil/Colombia border.
Maximum size: 20 cm / 8”
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.
H.inspector 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.
More info:
https://www.planetcatfish.com/common/species.php?species_id=204
https://www.l-welse.com/reviewpost/showproduct.php/product/2417/cat/30