Common Pleco

Common Pleco (Hypostomus Plecostomus)

The Common Pleco, also known as Suckermouth Catfish, is a fascinating fish popular among aquarium enthusiasts due to its unique appearance and hardy nature. This fish is native to the warm freshwater habitats of South America, particularly in the Rio Tapajós, Pará, Brazil.

The Common Pleco is a sight to behold, with its elongated body adorned with a variety of markings. The most striking feature of this fish is its almost metallic sheen displayed on the back half of its body. It can grow up to a sizeable 12 to 14 inches in adulthood. This fish is known for its calm demeanor and is generally peaceful, although it can be territorial from a young age. Some large specimens are aggressively territorial and may cause problems if housed with other large nocturnal fish.

In terms of compatibility, the Common Pleco is best kept with other peaceful fish. It is not a schooling fish and is quite content to live alone, provided it has enough space. However, it is important to note that this fish can be bullied by faster-moving fish of similar size, so care should be taken when choosing tank mates.

The Common Pleco is an omnivore with a preference for algae. It will graze on the algae growth in the tank, but its diet should also be supplemented with algae wafers, fresh vegetables such as blanched squash, spinach, cucumber, zucchini, green beans, peas, and even sliced carrots, and occasional protein sources like fresh or frozen bloodworms or brine shrimp.

The ideal habitat for the Common Pleco is a well-decorated tank that mimics its natural environment. It requires a suitable-sized cave, preferably made of wood, and is quite secretive. The tank should be filled with clean, clear, well-oxygenated water. Hardy, fast-growing plants like Java fern, Java moss, Amazon sword, and wisteria are good decoration options, as they’re strong enough to stay rooted in place when the fish are foraging in the substrate for food.

The water parameters for the Common Pleco are specific. The minimum aquarium size for this fish is 30 gallons, while the ideal community aquarium size is 50 gallons. The pH should be maintained between 6.5 and 7.5, and the hardness should be within the 6-10 dGH range. The temperature should be kept between 75-86°F (24-30°C).