ALBINO BRISTLENOSE PLECO

Origins: Originally these little rascals came from the Amazon River basin. Supposedly some 50 species cruise the channels and tributaries of this second longest river (some 260 miles shorter than the Nile as Adrian Philp so rudely informed me) in the world. But the albinos more likely came from an Asian fish farm. The ones we sell come from an Iowa breeder.

Appeal: Bristlenose plecos eat algae assiduously. The commoner plecos grow so large, they turn into destructive behemoths. Bristlenosers stay small -- way small – all under six inches. The albinos stay under four inches. And their albino color adds to their appeal.