This algae-eater is best avoided for all but very large aquaria. Will outgrow most home set-ups and is very long-lived. Smaller relatives such as Bristlenose are a much better choice. Please ask staff for details
Overview
Synonyms
Hypostomus pardalis, Liposarcus jeanesianus, L. pardalis, L. varius
Distribution
South America. Has also been introduced to parts of Asia.
Maximum Size
50cm (20")
Temperature
20-30°C
Water Parameters
Unfussy, providing good water quality is maintained.
Compatibility
Community
Lighting
No special requirements
Sexual Dimorphism
Mature adult males will possess thickened pectoral fin rays. Mature adult females may appear wider when viewed from above.
Feeding
Algae wafers, catfish pellets, granules, flake and frozen foods
Description
Care
The Common Plec has the potential to grow very large, even if kept in small aquaria. It should be housed in a tank at least 4ft long to start off with, and moved on to larger quarters to give the fish the space it deserves. Often sold as "good algae eaters", these fish will rapidly outgrow the average community aquarium. A better choice of algae-eater for the smaller tank would be Bristlenose catfish (Ancistrus sp.). This species will not harm tankmates, even small sized fishes. Minor squabbles may occur when more than one specimen is housed in the confines of the same aquarium. Larger specimens can be clumsy, knocking over decor, which should, therefore, be chosen very carefully. May also be seen on sale as Pleco, Plecostomus, and Suckermouth Catfish.
Feeding
Omnivorous, although the majority of the diet should be made up of vegetable matter.
Breeding
Unlikely in the home aquarium.
Where can I buy these aquarium fish?
If you like this species and would like to find out more, we have an enormous range of aquarium fish and invertebrates available to buy in all of our stores across the UK (including freshwater tropical and marine fish).
However, please note that this species may not be available in your chosen store, even if the store specialises in this particular species. This is due to seasonality and stock availability from store-to-store. Please check with your local store about availability of specific species to purchase before making a journey.
For delivery before Christmas, orders must be placed on or before 3pm on Wednesday 20th December. We cannot guarantee delivery of these orders pre-Christmas as we are reliant on our couriers, but will use our best endeavours to get orders placed on this date out to you before Christmas. For full details of our festive delivery and opening times click here
Please note: online orders placed after 3pm on Friday 22nd December will not be dispatched until the New Year. For full details of our festive delivery and opening times click here
