Plecostomus or Hypostomus plecostomus belong to the family Loricariidae. Loricariidae means armored catfish named so because the armor-like longitudinal rows of scutes that cover the upper parts of their bodies. This armor is actually composed boney platelets as opposed to the scales that are normally associated with fish.
The taxonomical designation plecostomus only describes a single species of armored catfish within the family Loricariidae. There are, however, over 50 scientifically classified and many more as yet unclassified species within this family native to the tropical and subtropical regions of the lower western hemisphere. All have the shared trait of ingesting algae as part of their dietary intake and have become known world wide as algae eaters. Plecostomus, plecos or plecs, although not scientifically accurate, are used interchangeably when referring to these algae eating armored catfish.
Plecos are inarguably one of the most popular choices among freshwater aquarium owners. Their unique, almost pre-historic, features undoubtedly contribute to their popularity. These features are not coincidental. Fossil records of Loricariidae date as far back as the Miocene period. It is, however, their dietary habits that have won them a home in so many aquariums around the world.
Plecos are also frequently referred to as suckermouths. This is understandable if you have ever seen one hang the full weight of its body from its mouth on the side of an aquarium. In nature, these fish inhabit a wide range of ecosystems but prefer the swift moving waters of rain driven rivers and streams. Their suction cup mouths allow them to remain virtually immobile in the strongest torrential runoffs. This same suctioning ability is one of the most effective means of taking in organic debris from the bottoms of streams and riverbeds ever produced by nature.
The name plecostomus applies to a single species of armored catfish. This is a very large fish and should only be housed in an aquarium of adequate size. The terms plecostomus, plecos, and algae eater, on the other hand, have become generic labels in the aquarium trade industry. They encompass a variety of Loricariids all of which are breeds of armored catfish. The adult size of these individual species varies considerably. This information is usually included as part of the product description both on the internet and in local retail stores. If the information is not present, ask. Choosing the right size maintenance fish for the right size aquarium will save you from future headaches down the road. Some species will only grow to a maximum length of two inches while other will out grow a small aquarium before you know what happened.
Armored catfish are excellent additions to any community tank. They are bottom dwellers by nature. Bottom dwellers as a rule tend to ignore the activities of their fellow tank mates. When they venture up from their substrate domain to clean the interior walls of your aquarium they will remain focused on the task at hand rather than the fish swimming passed them.
When it comes to the bottom of an aquarium, the plecos is king of its turf. Most armored catfish species are highly territorial. Of course this can be said for the vast majority of bottom dwellers. It is inadvisable to try to keep more than bottom dweller in an aquarium. Younger plecos may be tolerant of each other but as they continue to grow in both age and size that tolerance usually proves short lived. There are very few bottom dwelling fish that will peacefully coexist with one another.
Armored catfish are nocturnal by nature. They feed at night and rest during the day. If your aquarium has rock work or hollow decor the plecos will pick a spot to call home. This is where he will spend his days, out from under the bright aquarium lights. If you are not considerate enough to provide your aquatic friends with adequate hiding place a plecos will settle down on the bottom of the aquarium to sleep until it is time to awake and start foraging.
Plecos are omnivores. In an aquarium, just as in nature, these catfish will consume just about anything. This is what scavenger fish do. Contrary to what you may believe, they derive the majority of their dietary intake from ingesting decomposing organic matter foraged off the aquarium substrate and not from the consumption of algae.
Plecos are one of the most self sufficient fish you can have in an aquarium. This is easy to take for granted. It is inadvisable to assume that foraging will provide your plecos with enough nutrients to keep it healthy and fit. This is especially true if you own a larger member of the plecos family.
There are many products on the market designed to address bottom dwellers' dietary needs. Sinking pellets and wafers will help guarantee that your plecos is getting enough to eat. Fruits and vegetables make an excellent dietary supplement. They will scarf down leafy veggies like spinach and lettuce without hesitation. Skewering little chucks of broccoli, squash or cauliflower to a safety pin and letting it sink is like inviting your pleco to an all you can eat buffet.
Plecos rarely breed in an aquarium. All attempts to commercially tank breed them have been unsuccessful. They have, however, been successfully bred in Florida, Singapore, and Hong Kong. They are kept in large ponds with steep sides to prevent their escape. Plecos will dig borrows in the bottom or banks of these ponds to deposit their eggs. The ponds are drained after the eggs hatch. Adults are relocated to other ponds for future spawning. The young are collected for sale within the fish hobby industry. Plecos are also bred and raised for export in fish hatcheries in Bangkok.
Plecos and freshwater aquariums are a match made in heaven. It's like owning a self-cleaning oven. To find out more about the world's favorite freshwater aquarium fish go to our fish buying guide.
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