Common Pleco Scientific Name
Hypostomus plecostomus

Common Pleco Family
They are in the family of Loricariidae. They belong to the species type Plecostomus

Common Pleco Origin
These fish are native South American River Deltas.

Common Pleco Description
These fish are comparatively larger than other tank fishes, so it is not suitable for small and heavily planted tanks. Plecos have a unique shape and are flat on the underside from the head to the tail. They are sharply rounded on the top side tapering down to the tail. They are mainly a mixture of light and dark brown stripes and spots. This species is robust and hardy and can adapt to most conditions.

Common Pleco Adult Size
These fish are usually sold when it is 2-4 inches long but can grow up to 12 to 18 inches long.

Common Pleco Life Span
These fish can live up to 15 years.

Common Pleco Compatible Tankmates
Common Pleco mixes well with cichlids and other fishes in a larger community tank, although it may get territorial over a favorite spot.

Social: Community Vs. semi-aggressive Vs. Aggressive
These fish are not aggressive and quite peaceful when young but develops aggression especially to other Plecos when they mature. They are territorial in nature, so another Pleco in the same tank is not a good idea. It can hold its own with most other fishes. Plecos can be housed with many different species except fat or flat bodied fish like goldfish and discus because Plecos have a tendency to suck on these fishes.

Common Pleco Breeding: Egglayer vs. Livebearer
Breeding Common Pleco is possible in a large aquarium with adequately sized tubes or clay pipes. The male will clean the site and fan water over the eggs and fish fry. The eggs will hatch in approximately nine days at 70 degrees F temperature. Fries will eat small flake food, algae scrapings and baby brine shrimp.

Common Pleco Care
These fish are really easy to care for. Driftwood and refuge should be included in the tank. They tend to eat live plants in the tank. Plecos are jumpers, so it is important to cover the aquarium but they will need space underneath the cover so they can gulp air when they swim up the surface.

Common Pleco Diet
They are a good algae eater. Food can be supplemented with algae wafers, green foods and sinking pellets. They will also consume other foods missed by other fish and vegetables like romaine lettuce, sweet potato, squash, parboiled zucchini and green peas. Being nocturnal creatures, they mainly feed at night.

Common Pleco Tank Size
A large tank of 55 gallons will be ideal for a Pleco.

Common Pleco pH
pH level should be 6 to 8.

Common Pleco Water Hardness
The water hardness should be 1-25 dGH.

Common Pleco Water Temperature
The temperature should be 66 to 79 degrees Fahrenheit or 19 to 26 degrees Celsius.