pleco fish or Plecostomus also called suckermouth catfish are from South America. In the aquarium these catfish are prized for their ability to eat algae and helping to keep the aquarium glass super clean. However, they do need care, including feeding, water management, filtration to ensure a healthy lifespan.
Pick the Right pleco fish for your tank
There are literally hundreds of species of pleco fish , and some make better aquarium residents than others.
The most popular or recognizable pleco is Hypostomus plecostomus the namesake for plecostomus. It is one of many species of Hypostomus. These pleco fishes are available in all sizes from small to large. They are know to grow as large as 2 feet in length.
Some other freshwater pleco fish are the species known as Panaque. An interesting bit of trivia about these fish is there known to feed extensively on wood. They will also feed on aufwuchs and algae as part of their diets. There also known for the rasping teeth used to scrape and forge food. The most famous of the Panaque genus are the royal panaque or royal plecos.
Aquarium Setup and what pleco fish require
Since plecostomus species vary wildly in size, so do their minimum aquarium size requirements as well. Otos, the smallest of the sucker plecos, can thrive in an aquarium of only 10 ten gallons but do well in small harem. Bristlenose are larger species of plecos will require larger aquariums of at least 20 gallons in size and popular species of bristlenose are the albino bristlenose catfish. But the largest species such as the common pleco will require a minimum of 55 gallons because they grow quite large.
Plecos are known to be nocturnal and will welcome hiding places in the aquarium. You can use a number things to achieve this like adding hardy aquarium plants to produce cover, adding driftwood and pieces of slate to create caves. Remember a large number of plecos enjoy rasping on driftwood to supplement their diet as mentioned the species of Panaque plecos in particular.
Common plecos can reach such massive sizes in the home aquarium, get the largest sized tank. you can afford to accommodate these large suckmouth species. They can be kept in smaller aquariums while they are juveniles. They will outgrow their tank and should be moved to at least a 55 gallon aquarium as soon as possible. And even with 55 gallon aquarium, they will become too large to turn around in the tank. They will ultimately have to be moved again to something preferable to 100 gallons aquarium with good filtration.
Pleco fish behavior
Keep in mind that the common pleco are known to become extremely aggressive when they reach adulthood. juveniles are generally an excellent community fish. Any adult plecos should be kept in a semi-aggressive tank perhaps with large cichlids. and should never be kept with any other common plecos. They can be kept with other species of Pleco. This can be hit and alert for the temperament of the tank members to avoid fish fatality.
Like with other aggressive freshwater fish like cichlids for instance you should provide hiding places to minimize aggression and spawning locations. Not to worry the plecos will decide where they want to breed and lay their eggs. Catfish hobbyists are known to use slate, PVC pipes, driftwood and clay flower pots. Of course you will need large diameter sizes which you can get a local hardware store.
pleco fish size
Due to the fact pleco grow to a large size, only matched by their large appetites should be prepared for frequent water changes and select a great filter for your aquarium. Common plecos are eating machines and are known to produce a lot of waste independent of the other fish in the aquarium and therefore consider mixing filtrations system by using an outside filter like the type that attach to the rear of the tank or a canister filter. It’s ok to incorporate some internal filters as well like a corner box filter to serve as double duty and remember water changes are your friend.
Plecos keepers can use the Tetra Whisper EX Power Filter or Fluvial External Filter clean. Remember canister filters can be a huge asset and have come down in price which means you can get good filtration and not spend a ton.
Water Parameters to keep pleco fish healthy and happy
Many species of pleco can survive outside their natural range. But may consider making an effort to match the water conditions that Plecostomus thrive in the wild. All plecos are indigenous to the Amazon drainage. where the water is acidic to slightly alkaline. some plecos prefer water with pH between 5.5 to 7.5 which is a large spread. Good water movement in the aquarium will help with oxygen.
Feeding those forever hunger Plecostomus catfish
Plecos are known to graze on algae, but they require additional food in their diet. They are masters for hunting for food and will search everywhere for morsels of food.
That said prepared foods are available from online retailers and local pet shops. In fact catfish have their own section. There are literally all types of food catered to catfish in the forms of pellets, wafers and even frozen food. Plecos enjoy algae and foods rich in spirulina. So some spirulina wafers which your pleco will absolutely love eating and keep them healthy.
pleco fish food
Other foods that pleco fish devour are freeze dried shrimp, freeze dried earthworms and freeze dried krill. While many of these foods will float initially not to worry because plecos are know to swim to the top to feed when hungry and eventually the food will sink anyway where they will be welcomed by waiting plecos.
There a number of other nutritious foods pleco like which are in the truly frozen category which mean you will have to pick them up locally and keep them in the freezer at home. That said frozen bloodworms, frozen krill or frozen plankton and many others can be offered as a treat. Remember to wash your hands after working with these foods and clean up properly.
It would be remiss not to talk about vegetables as it relates to feeding plecos. Many catfish hobbyists swear by offering their plecos. Some of the best foods are all natural and offered a variety vegetables that are blanched is perfect.
Pleco vegetables include blanched zucchini medallions, cucumber, shelled peas, and any soft melons. Make sure you buy a Screwcumber pleco feeder made by Opti-Fish. These are especially made for holding vegetables and fruit so plecos can park and feed. Simply twist a section of cucumber and lower to bottom of your tank, sit back and watch your Plecostomus feed.
Pleco fish Feeder
Another great pleco feeder is called The Pleco Feeder. This pleco feeder is made from 316 Stainless Steel and food grade silicone rubber and will provide a lifetime of service. Just screw a piece of fresh shrimp, zucchini or any vegetable and place it in your tank. A healthy pleco fish is a happy pleco.
Breeding Plecostomus catfish and pleco ley eggs
Breeding common plecos is very difficult . it will require breeding size and a tank is approximately 100 – 200 gallons in size.
The male pleco has selected a cave. He will clean it followed by a female Plecostomus to mate with. It is amazing to watch the male try to entice her into his cave and spawn. Once the female agrees to mate she will deposit her eggs on hard surface the top of the cave.
Pleco eggs will generally hatch in several days, and the fry can be fed baby brine shrimp. Make sure you have brine shrimp eggs on hand patience to hatch your own. Before you know it you will have a bunch a little Plecostomus catfish fry forging for food across the bottom of your tank.