Pleco Care Guide

🐟 Pleco Care Guide

🌍 Species Overview

Scientific Name: Hypostomus plecostomus (common pleco)
Other Names: Suckerfish, Armored Catfish
Family: Loricariidae
Lifespan: 10–15 years (some up to 20!)
Adult Size: 15–60 cm depending on species (common plecos grow very large)

🏡 Tank Requirements

• Tank Size:

  • Small species (Bristlenose, Clown, Rubberlip) — 80–150 L

  • Common or Sailfin Pleco — 300 L minimum (preferably 400 L+)

• Temperature: 23 °C – 28 °C

• pH: 6.5 – 7.5

• Water Hardness: 4 – 15 dGH

• Filtration: Strong and stable — Plecos are messy eaters

• Aeration: Moderate to high — they prefer well-oxygenated water

• Lighting: Low to moderate — they are nocturnal and prefer shaded areas

• Substrate: Smooth gravel or sand

• Décor: Provide driftwood (essential for digestion and hiding), caves, rocks, and shaded areas

🍽️ Diet

Plecos are omnivores and algae grazers.
Feed a varied diet:

• Staples: Algae wafers, sinking pellets, blanched vegetables (zucchini, cucumber, spinach, peas)

• Occasional Treats: Bloodworms, shrimp, or other protein-rich foods

• Wood: Driftwood is a must — many species rasp on it for fiber and digestion

🕗 Feeding Schedule:
Feed once daily at night (they are most active after lights-out). Remove uneaten food after a few hours.

💧 Tank Mates

Plecos are generally peaceful but territorial with other bottom dwellers of similar size.
✅ Good Tank Mates:
Tetras, barbs, corydoras, gouramis, angelfish, guppies, rasboras, mollies

🚫 Avoid:
Large aggressive cichlids, other large plecos, or fish that nip fins

🧽 Maintenance

• Weekly water changes: 25 – 40 %

• Gravel vacuuming: Plecos produce a lot of waste

• Filter cleaning: Rinse sponges in old tank water every 2–3 weeks

• Glass cleaning: Even though they eat algae, don’t rely on them to keep the tank spotless

🧬 Breeding

• Most Pleco species don’t breed easily in home aquariums due to space and environmental needs.

• Bristlenose Plecos are an exception — they breed in caves and care for their eggs.

  • Males guard the eggs until they hatch.

  • Provide PVC or coconut shell caves for spawning.

⚠️ Common Problems

• Outgrowing the Tank: Common plecos often outgrow small aquariums. Choose a suitable species before purchase.

• Starvation: Algae alone isn’t enough; supplement with wafers and vegetables.

• Low Oxygen: Heavy waste load can deplete oxygen — ensure strong filtration and aeration.

• Injury from Sharp Decorations: Their bodies are armored but still scratch easily.

🩺 Quick Facts