Which veggies are you pleco’s favorite? They’ll each set up their own little space and expect the other to respect the borders. Unless you have bristlenose plecos, trying to tell males from females gets difficult. And they are – until they reach adult size. Nocturnal, territorial, and huge, this fish is ill suited to most aquaria. Hypostomus plecostomus comes in at a reasonable $3, especially as juveniles. The males of certain pleco species have prominent lower lips. Plecostomus top the popularity list when it comes to catfish. Established populations are widespread in Florida’s canals, even in coastal, brackish-water ones. Plecos have a nocturnal existence, spending the majority of the daylight hours hiding. Aquarists bring them home, thinking the little pleco will fit into their community tank without a problem. For whatever reason, plecos have a fascination with nipping at these larger cichlids, which causes problems all around. They routinely grow to a foot or more in captivity. The total fecundity of H. plecostomus is reported to be approximately 3000 eggs ( Azevedo, 1938 ). Make the selection based on the habitat needs of the fish. But you’ll want to make sure the plants can withstand any fish assaults without ending up too depleted: Plecos have nocturnal habits. As they get larger, however, man… Algae and sinking algae wafers. Scientists and breeders designate the types with designations of “L” or “LDA” followed by numbers to differentiate the various colors and patterns available – with new varieties appearing every day.). And still others have thicker pectoral fins. Plump them up with a diet of live and frozen foods over several weeks – this stimulates the spawning instinct. Sold by the thousands as babies to unwitting aquarists for algae control in small community tanks, the fish that survive grow into plant-shredding, tankmate-harassing tankbusters, literally—large specimens sometimes dash into the aquarium glass when startled, cracking it. It’s not an impossible undertaking, but prepare yourself in case the attempt fails. Most likely the 50 cm was based on erroneous synonyms. The downside to choosing these smaller suckermouth catfish is the tradeoff in price: while smaller, they cost more than common plecos. As they grow they become quite territorial, though they are not extremely aggressive about it. The length of the body reaches 60 cm (24 inches) (in a tank it is up to 30 cm (15 inches long). This is the catfish most commonly used for getting rid of problem algae in the aquarium. What Size Tank Do Plecostomus Need? The tank size is the most significant limiting factor when it comes to these suckermouth catfish. And while it’s true these suckermouth catfish cruise the tank in search of algae and other debris, they’re omnivores and need a carefully balanced diet to stay healthy. The fish dig tunnels in mud banks to create a nesting chamber. Due to the amount of space the common pleco requires, it’s best to stick to just ONE pleco per tank. And, of course, who doesn’t love fresh fruits and vegetables? A well-balanced Pleco diet consists of: 1. Four rows of large, bony plates protect against potential predators, leaving their bellies soft and exposed. Clown plecos sport varying patterns of stripes along their sides. Since a few years I keep two of them in a 500l tank and those have only reached a bit more than 20 cm SL. They set up a territorial perimeter they patrol on their nightly rounds. They attach themselves to rocks and submerged tree branches, filtering nutrients from the water. Hypostomus Plecostomus is a territorial fish, he does not tolerate other males of his species and can arrange real fights with relatives, perceiving strangers as rivals. ©2020 TFH Magazine, a Central Garden & Pet Company. This can lead to aggression issues – not to mention an uncomfortable fish. ): 50 gallons Plenty of plecos have carnivorous tendencies (do your research). Most plecos, like the larger Hypostomus species, have 8 or fewer rays however, the Rhiono Pleco and all Pterygoplichtys species have more than 10.. Rhino Plecos have two horn like protrusions emanating from their large nostrils which are actually nasal flaps, and alligator like … A lair—driftwood, stone cave, PVC pipe, etc.—will be used as a daytime resting spot. However, this difference is unique to bristlenoses. Description: my common pleco at 4" and its name is Dino :) Category: Freshwater Fish. They don’t get very long – about 3.5 inches (9 cm) – so you can get away with a smaller tank size. They require a separate breeding tank, and you’ll need infusoria and other fry foods on-hand to keep the hatched young supplied. So long as their tank mates are peaceful and too small to swallow them, you have your choice of the freshwater fish catalog. You can’t go any smaller than 100 gallons (379 l). As they grow, your small tank will not be enough for them. Sailfin Pleco. Plecostomus catfish belong to the Loricariidae family. The common pleco frequents the Amazon River Basin. Plecos can be brown and/or gray in color, often with sandy-colored patterns or spots. Other species sport cheek spines they use for combat battles during spawning season. And then their pleco grows – and grows – and GROWS. The content of this website is not meant to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Most of the plecos, including Hypostomus plecostomus, come from Central and South America. Good thing there are over 500 varieties of plecos to choose from. Have you noticed it munching on the driftwood? Size: 15 inches (38 cm) Common Name: Sailfin Pleco. Aquarists love these suckermouth catfish as their colors change as they age. They inhabit acidic black waters, brackish estuaries, and even underground pools. They have armored plates covering most of their bodies and suckers surrounding their mouths, which aid in their feeding habits. So while it’s important to keep those woody hideaways, you also need them as a source of roughage. But watch out for fish small enough to fit in your pleco’s mouth. Bristlenose plecos make the task easier. Hypostomus plecostomus, also known as the suckermouth catfish or the common pleco, is a tropical fish belonging to the armored catfish family (Loricariidae), named for the armor-like longitudinal rows of scutes that cover the upper parts of the head and body (the lower surface of head and abdomen is naked). Select the fish based upon its adult size. You want to avoid anything acidic (such as tomatoes), but the rest of these will make any plecostomus happy: Breeding plecos isn’t the easiest undertaking in the world (though it ranks above trying to breed red tail sharks!). For instance, two common plecos require a 300-gallon (1136 l) tank. They are found throughout South America, and have in recent years been reported as an invasive species in several countries, most notably in the several southern United States. With so many species of suckermouth catfish to choose from, no matter what size aquarium or type of fish you own, there is one just right for you. Most freshwater aquarists have added them to a tank at one time or another. You should try to replicate the environment as closely as possible. Depending on your preferences, you might get out of hefty tank needs (or you could end up springing for even LARGER aquariums): Many people pick up plecos to help scavenge waste from their tank. The fish’s territoriality generally, Feeding: Ominvorous. References Aquaculture Aquaculture profile Strains Genetics The Suckermouth Catfish is an ornamental captive-bred color variety of the Common Pleco, Hypostomus plecostomus, a popular bottom-dwelling member of the armor-plated catfish group known as Loricariids. They’ll thrust their spines forward, which can end up tangled in a fish net. , aquarium fish, caves, and sinking tablets prepped and ready go! Its full size and quality water conditions when it comes to cichlids, discus and freshwater angelfish don ’ neglect., trying to tell males from females gets difficult the aquarium in quantity in ponds, both in Asia. Other herbivore preparations aquarium ( or 75 gallons for two plecos ) with a diet of and! Then he stands guard over the cave and clean out the interior tank … a well-balanced pleco diet consists:. And South America ( Nomura and Mueller, 1980 ; Mazzoni and Caramaschi 1995. 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