Plecostomus Facts

Plecostomus Facts

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.
These fish will actively seek out and eat algae at the microscopic level before it has a chance to develop into a cleaning and maintenance problem. It is little wonder that they have become one of the all time favorite among freshwater aquarists. The fact that they look like a throwback from the era of dinosaurs undoubtedly contributes to their global appeal. Their presence on Earth does indeed predate the emergence of mammals. A prehistoric fish that helps keep you aquarium squeaky clean, what more could an aquarium owner ask for?
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.
Loricariids are bottom dwelling creatures. They are solitary species. They will have little or no interaction with the other members of their community. This makes them excellent candidates for community tanks. Naturally, they will stray from the bottom of an aquarium to perform routine maintenance. Even then they will concentrate on the removal of algae and not on the fish around them.
While plecos generally ignore the other fish in an aquarium, this can not be said for the presence of other bottom dwellers. Bottom dwellers in general are territorial by nature. It is very rare for aquarium keepers to able to successfully keep more than one bottom dweller in an aquarium together, even if they are totally unrelated species. Unless you have a very large tank with a lot of bottom surface area you should avoid such temptation.
All plecos are nocturnal. One of the first things they will do when they are introduced to a new environment is to seek out a place to call home. Supplying rock work or hollow aquarium decor is recommended in the set up of pretty much any community tank. This is of particular importance if you intend to keep nocturnal species. Providing these fish with a place to seek shelter during the day will help them more easily adapt to their new surroundings.
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.
Loricariids are quite possibly the ultimate scavenger. They can survive in conditions where other fish would wither and die of starvation. Simple survival however does not address optimum health and longevity. It is unwise to simply assume that your plecos' dietary needs are being fully meant.
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.
Many of the commercially available freshwater species are tank bred rather than captured from the wild. Attempts to do so with plecos have failed. A good percentage of plecos provided by the aquarium industry are mass produced in fish ponds and commercial hatcheries in Florida, Bangkok, Singapore and Hong Kong.