Hypostomus Plecostomus (Suckermouth Catfish/ Suckerfish)
The Plecostomus (meaning “folded mouth”) is usually referred to as Pleco or even Pl*co because of a superstition that if you spell it fully or correctly your fish will soon die.
These guys have an elongated, dark brown body with a large head and large hard scales. The belly is flat and lacks the bony plates that occur all over the rest of the fish’s body. The eyes are small and set high on the head.
Most aquarium shops will sell you one telling you that it would keep your tank clean of algae. That’s because it is often found stuck on the aquarium glass or decorations sucking away at the algae with its strong upturned mouth. Because of this, they wreck havoc on plants – its almost impossible to have a planted aquarium with them around. In fact, they may also attach themselves to other fish in your aquarium, specially if they are wide bodied, and/ or ailing. Mine used to keep trying to attach itself to my neon rainbows, but they were thankfully too fast for it.
Normally nocturnal feeders, you’ll see them resting under or inside an ornament or rock most of the time (mine was
perpetually under the filter).
A word of caution – this fish can get very very big, and you should be prepared – the shops usually have them at a few inches (2 or 3), but they have been known to grow upto 2 feet. The Bristlenose Plecostomus, on the other hand, reaches about 5 inches in size as adults.
As they age, their foreheads enlarge in a peculiar manner. They may become more territorial with age and are best kept individually in tanks.
Tank setup
This is a pretty hardy species that generally adapts to most aquarium conditions. Avoid keeping them in extreme pH levels or temperatures and it will usually thrive.
The aquarium should be well-stocked with plants and driftwood and other decorations. When they’re not busy grazing on algae, Plecos like to rest on driftwood pieces or in caves.
Feeding your pleco
While they do feed on algae, there is no reason that is all they should be given. You can give them sinking herbivorous pellets/wafers, or even scalded lettuce leaves, boiled peas or spinach. As they age, they also tend to somewhat lose their algae eating abilities. Mine actually used to swim upside down to get at the flakes.
Fishy Facts
Common names: Suckerfish, Suckermouth Catfish, Pleco, common pleco
Scientific name: Hypostomus plecostomus or Hypostomus punctatus
Family: Loricariidae
Origin: South America
Adult Size: Up to 2 feet (24 inches)
Care: Easy to Moderate
Lifespan: 10 – 15 years (could even live for more)
Temperature : 73°F – 82°F (23°C – 28°C)
pH: 6.5 to 7.5
Social skills: Generally peaceful, but can be aggressive toward others of the same species. Generally suitable for community tank.
Tank level: Generally bottom
Breeding: Very difficult in aquarium
Tank Size: Bigger the better. At least 55 gallons
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