Hypostomus plecostomus are a part of the family Loricariidae. This is the largest family of catfish with close to 700 individual species and growing annually. The Greek translation of plecostomus, like most species names, can be broken down into two parts. Pleco means pleat as in a fold in fabric. Stoma is mouth. Combine the two and you have, “folded mouth.”
Plecostomus are native to Central and South America. The name plecostomus refers to a single species of what are known as common algae eaters. This statement is scientifically accurate but somewhat misleading. There are over 50 officially classified species of armored catfish native to this region of the world. The species name plecostomus has evolved to encompass all of the algae eaters in the family Loricariidae because of their similarity in appearance. This unofficial grouping is further shortened to plecos or simply plecs by aquarium hobbyists.
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.
One of the most readily distinguishable traits of algae eaters is their wide, suction-cup like mouths. This is a highly specialized feeding apparatus for what in essence is a bottom dwelling scavenger fish. In addition to its most obvious application, this suction mechanism’s secondary function can best be demonstrated by watching a plecos cling seemingly effortlessly to the side of an aquarium. This same ability helps to keep these fish anchored securely in place in the most torrential floodwater run offs the rainy season has to offer. A plecos will emerge from even the most severe rainy season in the feeding grounds it has become accustomed to, where other less adaptable species have been swept countless miles downstream. Their distinctive and highly developed mouths have also won them the nickname, suckermouth.
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.
A plecos’ indifference toward the presence of fellow tank mates does not apply to its perceived domain. It is exceedingly rare for bottom dwelling fish of any species to peacefully coexist with each other. Most will vigorously defend their territory to the point of violence. Unless you have thoroughly researched the subject you should not attempt to keep more than one bottom dweller in an aquarium.
Loricariids are a nocturnal family. They are active at night and will instinctively seek out shelter to sleep in during the day. Providing your plecos with a place rest in during the day will help it acclimate to its new surroundings. While this is not strictly necessary, it is recommended. Plecos will rest on the substrate during the day in an unadorned aquarium.
The label “algae eater” is somewhat misleading. Scavenger fish are omnivorous. Most of a plecos’ daily dietary intake is from consuming the decomposing matter off the aquarium floor from the food scraps missed by other fish. This is every bit as beneficial to an aquarium owner as is their obvious affinity toward 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.
Putting sinking wafers or pellets in your aquarium at night when the other fish are less active will help make sure your plecos’ dietary needs are being meant. Loricariids are not finicky eaters. They will eat the same vegetables humans do. They eat a wide variety of vegetables. Vegetables can be cooked or served raw, leafy like spinach or bulky like zucchini, broccoli, and cauliflower. Having driftwood in your aquarium is also recommended. Plecos love to nibble on drift wood. This would seem to indicate that wood provides a needed source of fiber.
Plecos are not known to spawn in captivity. Most species that do not breed in captivity are captured to support the thriving aquarium industry. This is typically not the case when it comes to plecos. Central and South America natives have turned the harvesting of plecos eggs into an industry all its own. The eggs are collected from drying streams and riverbeds and then sold to fish farms where they are hatched and raised for eventual resale. Many plecos sold in fish stores were harvested just this way.
A pleco is the perfect addition to any freshwater aquarium. Unless of course you enjoy scraping algae off the side of your tank. To get more informative facts about freshwater aquarium fish visit the fish buying guide.
Filed under Aquariums by Stephen J Broy