Common Pleco
Hypostomus plecostomus · family Loricariidae
Also: Suckermouth Catfish
Parameters
- Temperature
- 22–26 °C
- pH
- 6.5–7.5
- Hardness
- 5–19 °dGH
- Tank volume
- from 380 L
- Maximum size
- up to 30 cm
- Group size
- min 1, ideal 1
- Temperament
- Peaceful
- Swimming zone
- Bottom
- Difficulty
- Intermediate
- Lifespan
- 10–15 years
Description
IMPORTANT: a true common pleco (Hypostomus plecostomus) reaches 40–50 cm in the aquarium and needs at least 380 L. For most home tanks under 200 L the bristlenose (Ancistrus sp.) is the right pick — see its own profile.
Juveniles of several species are sold as 'pleco' — Pterygoplichthys, Glyptoperichthys, and others. Always confirm the species when buying.
Care
Volume
From 380 L for one adult. Driftwood is mandatory: plecos rasp wood and this is an essential part of their digestion.
Feeding
Plant-based diet: sinking spirulina tablets, blanched zucchini, cucumber. Protein supplement 1–2 times a week (bloodworm).
Compatibility
- Caution
- Good
- Avoid
- Danger
FAQ
- Подходит ли пленко для 100-литрового аквариума?
- Нет. Hypostomus plecostomus вырастет до 40+ см и быстро перерастёт объём. Для небольших аквариумов выбирайте анциструса (Ancistrus sp.) — до 15 см.
Goldie editorial team
Practising aquarists with a combined 30+ years of experience · Biologists and editors, fact-checking against FishBase and Seriously Fish · Every piece is reviewed by a qualified ichthyologist before publication
Scientific board — ichthyologists and veterinarians
Ichthyologists and veterinarians with university degrees · Reference FishBase, Seriously Fish and peer-reviewed literature · Sign every reviewed article with their credentials shown
Sources
- FishBase: Hypostomus plecostomus · FishBase · 2026-05-22
- Seriously Fish: Hypostomus plecostomus · Seriously Fish · 2026-05-22