Common Pleco - Identification
Albino Common Pleco
The Common Pleco originates from Brazil, but is mainly bred in Asia now. It is also known as the Suckermouth Catfish and the Algae Eater, but don't confuse it with the Chinese Algae Eater. With more than 2,000 species of plecos, there is much uncertainty as to exactly which species is the Common Pleco. Among the most common suggestions are Hypostomus plecostomus, Hypostomus punctatus, Liposarcus pardalis and Liposarcus multiradiatus. Plecos have armored plates and are differentiated by the number of distinct rays on their dorsal fin, with Hypostomus having 8 or 9, while Liposarcu have more than 10. Common Plecos are brown or gray. The more exotic varieties of plecos are so numerous that they have been assigned identity numbers. For example, the Queen Arabesque Pleco is L260. There are no obvious differences between the sexes and breeding is extremely difficult. Breeding is most often is accomplished in outdoor ponds.
Common Pleco - Aquarium Setup
Plecos are nocturnal and prefer to hide in caves during the day. They are algae eaters, but it's a common mistake to buy a small pleco to clean a small aquarium. Plecos tend to like algae less as they grow bigger and they grow very big! They are also very messy and can cause ammonia spikes. Initially they may help clean a small tank, but all too frequently they pollute and outgrow their surroundings. A 50 - 100 gallon tank is suggested if you intend to keep plecos. They will do best in clean, fast flowing water.
Common Pleco - Compatibility
Common Plecos are compatible with Cichlids, Large Tetras, Oscars and Silver Dollars. Plecos can become more aggressive with age, especially toward other Plecos. Common Plecos can be very territorial and won't usually put up with another Pleco in the tank.
Common Pleco - Feeding
In addition to algae, Plecos will eat spirulina algae flakes, sinking pellets, lettuce and other greenery. They will sometimes eat surface flake foods from an upside down position. They also like to suck on driftwood and will destroy any plant life. It is a misconception that they eat the waste products of other fish, but they will eat the remains of dead fish. They will also latch on to sick fish.
Common Pleco - Profile
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Scientific Name: Hypostomus punctatus
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Family: Catfish
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Temperature: 19 - 28 C; 66 - 82 F
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pH: 6.0 - 7.5
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Size: 50 cm; 20 inches
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Life Span: 10 years
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Breeding: Difficult, Egglayer