🐟 Common Pleco (Hypostomus plecostomus)
🐟 Common Pleco (Hypostomus plecostomus)
Algae Grazer • Large Display Pleco • Hardy Community Catfish
📋 The Common Pleco (Hypostomus plecostomus) is one of the most recognizable and widely sold plecos in the aquarium trade. Known for its armored body, sucker mouth, and powerful algae-grazing ability, it is a staple in many aquariums.
Juveniles are excellent algae eaters, making them popular as cleaning fish. However, they can grow into very large adults up to 60 cm (24"), which makes them unsuitable for small home aquariums. Adults require a large tank or pond with strong filtration to handle their heavy bioload.
Peaceful by nature, they are usually good community fish, but they may show territorial behavior toward other plecos. With their long lifespan, hardiness, and impressive size, they are best suited to experienced aquarists.
💡 Highlights
✨ Classic pleco species – one of the most common in the trade
⚪ Powerful algae grazer – especially effective when young
📏 Grows up to 60 cm – requires very large tanks or ponds
✅ Hardy and adaptable – survives a wide range of conditions
🐠 Peaceful community fish – but territorial with other plecos
🧾 A Quick Look at the Common Pleco
📛 Common Name: Common Pleco
🔬 Scientific Name: Hypostomus plecostomus
👨👩👧 Family: Loricariidae
🌍 Origin: South America (Brazil, Guyana, Suriname, Amazon Basin)
📏 Max Size: 45 – 60 cm (≈ 18 – 24")
💧 pH Range: 6.5 – 7.5
🌡️ Temperature Range: 23 – 28 °C (73 – 82 °F)
🧠 Care Level: Moderate (requires large aquarium or pond)
💖 Temperament: Peaceful, though territorial with other plecos
🏠 Min Tank Size: 380 L (100 US gallons) minimum
📌 Tank Level: Bottom-dweller
🧬 Captive Bred: ✅ Yes
🌿 Wild Caught: ❌ No
⏳ Lifespan: 10 – 15 years
🍽️ Diet: Omnivore (algae, sinking pellets, vegetables, occasional protein)
🐣 Reproduction: Rare in aquaria, mostly bred in ponds
