Mike’s Fish Tank – Sucker Fish

Hypostomus plecostomus (known as a sucker fish) is the scientific name for a type of freshwater tropical Central and South American fish belonging to the family Loricariidae. They are large algae eaters, and to differentiate them from small algae eaters, they are often referred to as plecostomus, often abbreviated as plecos or plecs.

They are extremely popular in aquariums for their ability to clean tanks by eating algae growth and will eat dead fish. These friendly-natured fish can typically be purchased when about (3.1 in) and often grow up to (24 in). Such larger specimens are impractical for any but the largest aquariums.

Plecos are omnivorous, but in the wild feed nocturnally mostly on plant material. During the day, their unusual eye-lids block a lot of light out of their eyes, but they are usually open at night. They can roll their eyes within their sockets, giving the appearance of winking. Plecos are usually skittish and quickly hide whenever they sense danger. They live in tropical fresh water and have been found in tropical ponds in Indonesia, as well as  throughout South America. Plecos are omnivores. In planted aquariums, they will eat naturally growing algae in the tank.

In tanks without live plants, their diets can be supplemented with sinking fish food, usually algae wafers readily available from a pet store.

Although the plecostomus is a known common algae sucker, it requires more than just pellets and tank algae. It should also be fed algae  wafers, zucchini, cucumber, lettuce, and peas They also may eat shrimp, shrimp pellets, and flake fish food.

Plecos may become more aggressive with age and are best kept individually in tanks. Plecostomus catfish are some of the most commonly kept algae-eating catfish, and are also some of the largest. Their growth may become stunted in a smaller tank, depending on the species as some will grow 3″, and some will grow 18″ or more.

The common pleco usually  cost about $3.99 to $4.99. The more rare plecos may cost $20.00 $30.00 or even $100.

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