Common plec / pleco

Common name(s) Common plec / pleco, Suckermouth catfish Picture of Common Pleco

Photos © Sean Evans

Scientific name Hypostomus punctatus, Liposarcus multiradiatus or pardalis, and others!

Synonyms Plecostomus punctatus

Size H. punctatus - up to 12" (30cm), Liposarcus spp - 16-20" (40-50cm)

Origin South America

Tank setup Large tank (4ft/120cm plus for an adult), with caves or bogwood for refuges.

Compatibility Generally OK for the larger community tank, may be territorial over a favourite cave. Mixes well with larger cichlids where more delicate suckermouth catfish might not be suitable.

Temperature 19-26^oC (66-79^oF)

Water chemistry Not critical, tolerates a wide range of pH and hardness values.

Feeding A good algae eater, this should be supplemented with algae wafers, sinking pellets, green foods.
They will also consume most other foods missed by midwater dwelling fish.

Sexing No obvious differences. Adult males may be smaller than females.

Breeding Unlikely in the aquarium - accomplished in outdoor ponds, where the fish dig tunnels in which to spawn.

Comments This fish is a very hardworking algae eater. Unfortunately its large size and 'clumsyness' tend to make it less suitable for small or heavily planted tanks. It is a very robust fish which will adapt to most conditions. The common name of "plec" or "pleco" is derived from the obsolete genus name of Plecostomus. A number of different species are often sold under the name of "common plec", which may include other species in addition to the ones above. One of them is the Sailfin plec, Glyptoperichthys gibbiceps, but this is more easily recognizable by its larger dorsal fin and a more 'honeycomb' type pattern.

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This website was last updated on 18th January 2008

Common name(s)	Common plec / pleco, Suckermouth catfish	`Photos © Sean Evans`
Scientific name	Hypostomus punctatus, Liposarcus multiradiatus or pardalis, and others!
Synonyms	Plecostomus punctatus
Size	H. punctatus - up to 12" (30cm), Liposarcus spp - 16-20" (40-50cm)
Origin	South America
Tank setup	Large tank (4ft/120cm plus for an adult), with caves or bogwood for refuges.
Compatibility	Generally OK for the larger community tank, may be territorial over a favourite cave. Mixes well with larger cichlids where more delicate suckermouth catfish might not be suitable.
Temperature	19-26^oC (66-79^oF)
Water chemistry	Not critical, tolerates a wide range of pH and hardness values.
Feeding	A good algae eater, this should be supplemented with algae wafers, sinking pellets, green foods. They will also consume most other foods missed by midwater dwelling fish.
Sexing	No obvious differences. Adult males may be smaller than females.
Breeding	Unlikely in the aquarium - accomplished in outdoor ponds, where the fish dig tunnels in which to spawn.
Comments	This fish is a very hardworking algae eater. Unfortunately its large size and 'clumsyness' tend to make it less suitable for small or heavily planted tanks. It is a very robust fish which will adapt to most conditions. The common name of "plec" or "pleco" is derived from the obsolete genus name of Plecostomus. A number of different species are often sold under the name of "common plec", which may include other species in addition to the ones above. One of them is the Sailfin plec, Glyptoperichthys gibbiceps, but this is more easily recognizable by its larger dorsal fin and a more 'honeycomb' type pattern.