Plecostomus

Q: 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.

Q: How big does Plecostomus get?

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

Q: Is Plecostomus good for aquariums?

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

Q: 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

Q: Is Plecostomus endangered?

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

Q: What family does Plecostomus belong to?

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

Abstract

Sold widely as an aquarium algae-eater, the common pleco is a large armoured catfish that frequently outgrows the tanks it is bought for. Its dark, leopard-spotted body is sheathed in bony scutes, and a suckermouth allows it to rasp algae from hard surfaces and cling in swift currents. Native to rocky rivers and coastal streams of northeastern South America from Guyana to northern Brazil, it reaches about 50 centimetres and tolerates mild brackish conditions. Nocturnal and peaceful, it needs a spacious aquarium of at least 280 litres and supplementary food as it matures, since algae alone cannot sustain it. The species is assessed as Least Concern.