Plecostomus Size: Fin-tastic Aquarium Pet Fish Facts Revealed For Kids

Plecostomus are catfish with sucker-shaped mouths and bony plates and spines covering their bodies rather than scales.

The common pleco, also known as the suckermouth catfish, is a tropical freshwater fish that belongs to the armored catfish family (Loricariidae). 'Hypostomus plecostomus' is frequently used to refer to the common plecostomus available in aquarium stores.

When confronted by a predator, plecos can raise and lower their spines and plates. Plecostomus means 'folded mouth' in Latin. These fish are known to eat algae and live plants and originated in the rivers of the Amazon jungle in South America. Many plecos dwell in fast-moving rivers and streams in the wild in South America, where they use their suckermouths to cling to rocks and wood and avoid being washed away by water currents.

The gastrointestinal tracts of several common pleco species have evolved to allow them to breathe air and take oxygen from it within their stomachs. Plecos are known as 'janitor fish' because they are scavengers who consume and clean up after themselves.

If you liked reading about plecostomus, the aquarium fish, you would also enjoy these ostrich egg size and coconut crab size facts here at Kidadl.

How big is a full-grown Pleco?

When fully grown, the typical common pleco in captivity is roughly 15 in (38 cm) in length. In the wild, they've been reported to reach a maximum size of 24 in (70 cm).

Although unusual, certain individuals living in vast habitats can grow to similar lengths in captivity.

When you initially acquire a common pleco, it will most likely be only a few inches long. As previously stated, these fish may grow to be quite large and have a wide range of consistent growth rates. The length and breadth of a minimum tank size are approximately 20 in (50 cm) and 10 in (25 cm), respectively. This equates to a vertical length of a little over 1.6 ft (48.7 cm) that a single pleco might traverse.

Hypostomus Plecostomus breeds, on the other hand, should not be kept in tanks smaller than 5 gal (18.92 l). The optimum water temperature for the common pleco should range between about 75-82 F (24-28 C) although they can tolerate 65-85 F (18-30 C).

These South American algae eaters live off feeding on algae when they are young, but adult species cannot just eat algae as food and require a consistent amount of food.

Do Plecos only grow to the tank size?

A Common Plecostomus typically grows to be between 15-24 in (38-70 cm) long, and its water parameters include a water tank with a capacity of at least 100 gal (454.6 l). However, dwarf plecos exist that will always stay small in size, even in their adult years. Plecos take up 10 gal (37.85 l) of space each, so you can fit two in a 20 gal (75.70 l) water tank. Keep in mind that you should not keep more than one male in the same tank.

Below are some common freshwater plecos that could easily fit into your small aquarium:

Gold Spot Dwarf Pleco (Parotocinclus spilosoma): The Gold Spot Dwarf Pleco stays tiny throughout its life, reaching a maximum body size of only 2 in (5 cm). This pleco is one of the tiniest pleco species maintained in home aquariums, if not the smallest.

Bristlenose Pleco (Ancistrus Sp): The common Bristlenose pleco, Ancistrus cirrhosis, may reach a length of 4-5 in (10-11 cm), but a well-kept specimen can reach over 6 in (15 cm). In bigger tanks, the gold marble bristlenose catfish is not territorial with other peaceful bottom dwellers and will accept other peaceful bottom dwellers.

Dwarf Snowball Pleco (Hypancistrus Sp. L471): In adulthood, the Dwarf Snowball Pleco remains tiny, measuring little more than 2.4 in (6 cm) in length. Because of its small size, this pleco is one of the tiniest in the aquarium trade. As a result, if a Dwarf Snowball Pleco is the sole bottom-dweller in the aquarium, it might live in a 10 gal (37.85 l) tank with plenty of plants, rocks, and wood.

Rubber-Lipped Pleco (Chaetostoma formosae): The rubber-lipped pleco may be kept in a 20 gal (75.70 l) long tank with its maximum body size of slightly over 4 in (10 cm). A single specimen has a bottom footprint of 30.2 x 12.5 in (76.8 x 31.7 cm). When foraging for food, the rubber-lipped pleco is quite active and requires a greater vertical swimming area. When they settle down and adopt the tank as their home, they also hang out on the glass and other surfaces.

Angelicus Pleco (Hypancistrus sp. L136): Angelicus pleco is a gorgeous species of armored catfish that grows to only 3.1 in (7.8 cm) in length. This fish may be housed in a tank with a vertical length of at least 24 in (70 cm) and a width of at least 12 in (30 cm) due to its modest size. The normal 15 gal (56.78 l) and 30 gal (113.56 l) tall tanks are the smallest tanks that fit these requirements. A fish tank with a medium to high water current, driftwood decorations, and spherical stones will be ideal for the Angelicus Pleco.

Zebra Pleco: It is a species of catfish endemic to Brazil. The Zebra Pleco grows to be between 3-4 in (7.6-10 cm) long when completely mature. They're a little tinier than other plecos, which might be a problem in a communal tank.

What type of pleco gets the biggest?

The majority of individuals who keep huge plecos keep them in aquariums that are at least 80 gal (302.83 l) in size. And only if you have one common Pleco in the tank will this work. In most cases, keeping more than one common Pleco in your aquarium is not recommended. You can, though, if you want to. The tank is the only issue.

You'll need a tank with more than 80 gal (302.83 l) if you have numerous plecos. A 150 gal (567.81 l) fish tank is necessary for two or three fully mature plecos. Such a tank needs a lot of areas.

That's why the majority of individuals who wish to acquire a pleco only get one. In this manner, you may avoid the large tank that tank mates will require to survive. As your pleco matures and grows, it will need more variety in its diet and a large amount of food to eat.

In most cases, keeping more than one common Pleco in your aquarium is not recommended. You can, though, if you want to. The tank size is the only issue. You'll need a tank with more than 80 gal (302.8 l) if you have numerous plecos. A 150 gal (567.81 l) tank is necessary for two or three fully mature plecos. Such a tank needs a lot of areas.

That's why the majority of small fish keepers wanting a common pleco only get one. In this manner, you may avoid the large water tank that numerous plecos live in and require to survive. However, not all plecos reach this size. Certain breeds remain tiny throughout their lives. Common Plecos can be tank mates with similar-sized aquarium fish.

What is the lifespan of a Common pleco?

Plecostomus are mostly nocturnal, spending the daytime hours sleeping in dark recesses along the benthos. The lifetime of a plecostomus is 10–15 years on average.

Breeding common plecos is extremely difficult, and only a few hobbyists have ever succeeded in doing so. The first thing you'll need for breeding is a big aquarium. Because common adult plecos have famously aggressive behavior, a minimum tank size of 100-200 gal (378.54-757.08 l) is recommended for breeding adult plecos.

If the color of your pleco is fading and its behavior is changing while it progressively turns white, it might be unwell or dying. In both circumstances, your pleco needs quick attention. Plecos can become white for a variety of reasons, including poor diet, sickness, stress, and insufficient tank conditions.

Some common health issues in plecos:

Cloudy Eye: Symptoms are eyes covered with grayish slime, a cloudy appearance, and difficulty swimming. You should provide them with fresh water and change the water in the tank regularly, and consulting your local aquatic veterinarian is advised.

Ichthyophthirius Multifiliis (Ich): White spots or lesions form on the fins and body. This is a parasitic infection caused by Epistylis parasites. In this case, fish should be quarantined immediately, and the remedy for ich should be used for at least two weeks. The local aquatic veterinarian should be consulted for treatment.

Sunken Abdomen: The only cause of it is that there is not enough food, algae are being provided. The suggested action for this situation is to increase supplemental feeding and get your pleco to eat right.

Bloated Abdomen: The very common cause of it is obesity or constipation. You can reduce supplemental feeding or increase fiber intake to correct it.

Plecostomus prefers to conceal and burrow, especially when sleeping during the day. Keep pebbles, driftwood, and bogwood (preserved wood that looks like driftwood). Soft surfaces such as sand, rather than gravel, provide a hiding spot for them to dig into. Plecos also require chewable wood in their aquariums. Keep in mind that, despite their gentle nature, plecos may happily eat tiny fish in your aquarium as an appetizer. Large freshwater fish for a mature pleco aquarium will assist in maintaining the tank calm and peaceful. All in all, plecos can be good aquarium fish buddies and your nighttime friend.

Here at Kidadl, we have carefully created lots of interesting family-friendly facts for everyone to enjoy! If you liked our suggestions for Plecostomus size: fin-tastic aquarium pet fish facts revealed for kids, then why not take a look at how many Earths can fit in the sun or European Polecat lifespan.