Plecostomus

Hypostomus plecostomus

Least Concern Brackish

Max Length

50.0 cm

Max Weight

1.0 kg

Color

Dark brown to grayish-black body …

Family

Loricariidae

About

The common pleco is a large armored catfish native to South America. Often purchased as an algae eater, it can outgrow most home aquariums. Its sucker-like mouth allows it to rasp algae from surfaces and anchor itself in fast-flowing currents.

Physical Description

Measurement	Value
Maximum Length	50.0 cm
Maximum Weight	1.0 kg

Coloration

Dark brown to grayish-black body densely covered with pale yellowish or cream spots and flecks creating a mottled leopard-like pattern; armor-plated scutes visible; belly is pale tan to cream.

Habitat & Distribution

Rivers of the Amazon basin, especially the Rio Tapajós and Rio Orinoco. Inhabits clear-water rivers over gravel and rocks; also near submerged wood. Grazes algae from hard surfaces using a suckermouth.

Water Type

Brackish

Geographic Range

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Conservation Status

Least Concern IUCN Red List

Plecostomus is classified as Least Concern by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).

Edibility & Culinary

Taste

Not consumed — ornamental algae-eating catfish kept as a natural tank cleaner; widely popular in freshwater aquariums for its armored body and bottom-dwelling habits.

Aquarium Care

Care Level

Temperament

Peaceful

Min Tank Size

280 liters

Temperature

22-28

pH Range

6.5-8.0

Check aquarium compatibility for Plecostomus with other fish species.

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Taxonomy

Order	Siluriformes (Catfishes)
Family	Loricariidae (Armored catfishes)
Species	Hypostomus plecostomus

Names in Other Languages

Language	Name
Spanish	Plecostomus

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you eat Plecostomus?

Not consumed — ornamental algae-eating catfish kept as a natural tank cleaner; widely popular in freshwater aquariums for its armored body and bottom-dwelling habits.

How big does Plecostomus get?

Plecostomus can grow up to 50.0 cm long and weigh 1.0 kg.

Is Plecostomus good for aquariums?

Plecostomus has a easy care level, a peaceful temperament, requires a minimum tank size of 280 liters.

Where is Plecostomus found?

Native to rivers and coastal streams of northeastern South America, from Guyana and Suriname through northern Brazil. Found in rocky river bottoms and estuarine margins; tolerates mild brackish conditions. Rivers of the Amazon basin, especially the Rio Tapajós and Rio Orinoco. Inhabits clear-water rivers over gravel and rocks; also near submerged wood. Grazes algae from hard surfaces using a suckermouth

Is Plecostomus endangered?

The conservation status of Plecostomus is Least Concern according to the IUCN Red List.

What family does Plecostomus belong to?

Plecostomus (Hypostomus plecostomus) belongs to the family Loricariidae (Armored catfishes) in the order Siluriformes (Catfishes).