Hypostomus plecostomus, the suckermouth catfish or common pleco, is a tropical fish belonging to the armored catfish family (Loricariidae), named for the armor-like longitudinal rows of scutes that cover the upper parts of the head and body (the lower surface of head and abdomen is naked). This species’ native range is tropical northeastern South America; it naturally occurs in northeastern Brazil, the Guianas, and Trinidad and Tobago. Suckerfish is found in the freshwater streams and rivers of South America, can grow up to 24 inches in length and have a lifespan of 10-15 years. Plecostomus are the most popular catfish fish keepers and in total there are well over 150 species.
Plecostomus Behavior
Suckerfish is that it is nocturnal that means during the day you won’t find much action. In the day, they could seem shy and you’ll probably find them hiding one of the plants and some other caves within your tank.
When they’re active, you’ll observe they are a bottom dwelling fish and can move slowly through the bottom of your aquarium. Whilst moving slowly through the ground they create a great job of cleaning up algae inside the tank.
Plecostomus Diet
It is important to notice here that while they’ll eat algae, their diet shouldn’t be composed of that independently that is harmful since they are omnivores and need other nourishment. In addition feed them with flakes of food or live foods: bloodworms, earthworms, crustaceans and larvae, Artemis which you add because of his tank mates, he’ll be healthiest with routine snacks of food.
Plecostomus Types
With More than 150 different species of Sucker fish have been discovered, however not all of them should be kept in aquarium. Below is a list of the most popular aquarium
- Bristlenose Plecostomus (Ancistrus sp.)
Bristlenose Pleco 
Albino Bristlenose Pleco
- Gold Nugget Plecostomus (Baryancistrus sp.)
- Zebra Plecostomus (Hypancistrus zebra)
- Clown Plecostomus (Panaqolus maccus)
- Sailfin Plecostomus (Pterygoplichthys gibbiceps)
- Snowball Pleco (Hypancistrus inspector)
- Royal Plecostomus (Panaque nigrolineatus)
Plecostomus in Tank
Tank will get rather large in the aquarium, so provide plenty of room for it to move. Plants, rocks, and driftwood help mirror its natural environment and help give it a sense of security. Sucker fish like a well-decorated tank. Although they may interact with other fish in the tank, a pleco is most comfortable with plenty of places to hide.
Minimum Tank Size: 70 gallons
Care Level: Easy
Temperament: Peaceful
Water Conditions: 72°F and 86°F, pH 6.5-7.5
Diet: Omnivore
Plecostomus Tank Mates
The first thing to bear in mind is that this fish is nocturnal and fairly peaceful and can be kept in a community tank. Some ideal tank mates include:
- Cichlids
- Tetras
- Gouramies
- And other common community fish and smaller tank mates shouldn’t be able to fit in the Plecos mouth