Pleco Care Requirements and Tank Selection for Hobbyists

Plecostomus, or "plecos," is a catfish species that belongs to the Loricariidae family, which is the world's biggest catfish family. Their bodies are covered in massive armored plates, and their lips are sucker-shaped. To identify plecostomus species, scientists employ a system of "L" or "LDA" numbers, of which there are now over 500, with more being added each year. Some plecos, such as the L046 Zebra and L177 Gold Nugget, are brightly colored and fetch high retail prices. Due to changes in their digestive systems, certain plecostomus may breathe air. Farlowella and Otocinclus catfish may be included in this category for care and maintenance.

Natural Habitat for a Plecostomus

The majority of Plecostomus species are located in South America, with a few exceptions in Panama and Costa Rica. They live in a variety of environments, while some species have extremely restricted ranges and can only be found in certain portions of rivers. Many plecos like fast-moving shallow streams and rivers, while others prefer acidic black water and peaceful, brackish estuaries. They utilize their suckermouths to cling themselves to rocks and submerged trees in high-flow regions to avoid being washed downstream.

Plecostomus Water Requirements

In the wild, loricariid catfish prefer soft water with a low pH, although many species offered today are economically bred and can survive a considerably broader range of water chemistry. For most captive-bred species, a pH of 7.0 to 8.0, alkalinity of 3 to 10 dKH (54 ppm to 180 ppm), and a temperature of 74 to 80 degrees F would adequate. Use an Aquarium Heater to maintain the right temperature if the aquarium is housed in a room below 74°F. Wild caught fish may demand a temperature in the mid to high 80's, a pH of 5.5 to 7.0, and an alkalinity of less than 3° dKH (54 ppm), so it's important to do your homework before buying. Maintain adequate filtration and use an Aquarium Water Changer or Siphon Vacuum Gravel Cleaner to do a 10% water exchange every week or a 25% water exchange every two weeks. Before refilling your aquarium, be sure to treat the tap water with Water Conditioner.

What are the Housing Requirements for Plecostomus?

With so many varieties of suckermouth catfish to pick from, there is one that is perfect for you, no matter what size aquarium or type of fish you have. For example, the common pleco, Hypostomus plecostomus, may grow to be over 12" long and requires a 75-gallon aquarium, but Otocinclus can live happily in a 10-gallon tank. Plecostomus are known for their secrecy, thus caves, hollow logs, and other hiding spots in the aquarium should be accessible. To imitate the fast-moving rivers that many species dwell in the wild, moderate to excellent circulation should be given. Decorate the tank with driftwood to provide a safe haven as well as food.

What is Plecostomus Behavior and Compatibility Look Like?

Many suckermouth catfish are nocturnal, spending the day lurking in a crevice or behind an overhang. Some, on the other hand, will adjust to tank living and become more friendly throughout the day, particularly at feeding time. Loricariids get along with a wide range of aquarium fish, however tankmates should be of similar size. When larger predatory fish attempt to consume tiny plecos or Otocinclus, the catfish becomes caught in the throat of the larger fish. Large plecos, on the other hand, may be safely combined with smaller fish since they seldom attempt to consume them.

What Do I Feed My Plecostomus Catfish Exactly?

While plecostomus and other suckermouth catfish are often offered as algae eaters, certain species are carnivorous in nature and feed on carrion. Others eat nearly solely wood, so it's a good idea to look into the nutritional requirements of any species you acquire. These catfish can eat Bottom Feeder Tablets, Shrimp Pellets, Tropical Granules, and Algae Rounds, among other feeds. Because of their nocturnal tendencies, many experienced hobbyists feed their plecos tablet or disc diets once or twice a week at night. Feed a range of high-quality items and vary your fish's diet on a regular basis for the greatest results.

How Hard is it to Breed Plecos and How to I Get them Ready to Spawn?

While little is known about the spawning habits of many rarer species, suckermouth catfish have been grown in captivity in large numbers. They usually lay their eggs in caves, with the male taking care of them until they hatch. Fry, or newly hatched fish, are ravenous eaters that need a high-protein diet of micro worms, brine shrimp nauplii, sinking tablets, or disc-type feeds on a regular basis. A separate tank should be built up for purposeful spawning, and breeders should be fed live or frozen meals for many weeks to condition them.