The “common Plecostomus.” Is it right for you?

At some point in our freshwater careers we all have to make the decision on whether or not to add a Plecostomus to a fish tank. Before you do, there are some things to take into consideration that the pet store information card won’t tell you. Here are five things about the so-called “common pleco” that I consider important.

1: First and foremost, plecos really are fantastic at cleaning up algae. If you’ve got a tank covered in algae you can throw in a pleco and he’ll have it cleaned up in no time. One of the most entertaining things about these fish is watching them cling to the front of your tank while searching for tasty algae morsels.

2: While they are great at eating algae, they don’t do it for long. Common plecos eventually decide that they want a bigger variety to eat as they grow larger. Most pet stores carry a wafer style food that contains a variety of nutrients intended for bottom dwellers like plecos. Be prepared to provide for this unique fish’s diet as the grow.

3: Plecos get really big. Most common species of plecostomus can reach sizes of up to twenty inches and some others can get close to twenty four inches. This means that you’ll need a tank at least two feet wide which is most likely a 150 gallon or larger.

4: Plecos can make a great addition to a community tank but are rather too large and clumsy for a heavily planted tank. Because they are unaware of how large they are they can easily uproot plants. While they may become slightly territorial over a cave or hiding place, they are usually very agreeable and get along with most, if not all, fish.

5: Overall, a common pleco is a great addition to an aquarium and are quite a bit more than just an algae eating tool. Be prepared to fall in love with the personality that these great fish exhibit and be prepared for the long haul; these guys can live up to fifteen years!