Common Pleco

Remarks: Common Plecos quickly outgrow most aquaria and care should be taken to only house them in appropriately sized tanks. While commonly sold as a fish to clean up algae, they actually make it worse due to their high waste output. The larger they get, the more protein they require in their diet. If this is not provided, common plecos can begin attacking tankmates, attempting to eat their eyes and slime coat. They are known to quickly invade local waterways and like all pet fish, should not be released into ponds or streams.

  Due to how large this species gets, them causing more algae growth than they clean up due to waste, and their frequent release into waterways upon outgrowing a tank causing extreme environmental damage, we no longer carry this species.

Scientific Name: Hypostomus plecostomus

Common Name: Common Pleco

Max Size: 20"

pH: 5.0-7.5

Hardness: Moderate

Temperature: 70-80°

Aggressiveness: Peaceful

Region of Origin: South America

Captive Bred or Wild: Captive Bred

Diet: Algae wafers, vegetables, occasional frozen foods

Compatibility: Large plecos, catfish, large South American cichlids, large tetras

Tank Mate Options:

• Red Spotted Severum
• Electric Blue Texas Cichlid
• Nicaraguan Cichlid