Plecostomus
Image: <a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://www.flickr.com/people/57519914@N00">Jean-Etienne Minh-Duy Poirrier</a> (CC BY-SA 2.0)
NamePlecostomus
Scientific NameHypostomus plecostomus
Common NamesCommon Pleco, Suckermouth Catfish, Armored Catfish
FamilyLoricariidae
OriginSouth America, Amazon Basin
Temperamentsemi-aggressive
Dietomnivore
Care Levelintermediate
Minimum Tank Size (Gallons)125
Max Size (Inches)24
Water TypeFreshwater
Temperature Range (°F)72-82
pH Range6.5-7.5
Compatible SpeciesLarge Tetras, Cichlids (non-aggressive large species), Gouramis, Other large, peaceful community fish
Description
The Common Plecostomus is a large, armored catfish known for its distinctive suckermouth, which it uses to graze on algae and biofilm. While often sold as small juveniles, they can grow to an impressive size, requiring very large aquariums. They are generally peaceful but can become territorial with age, especially towards other bottom-dwellers. Note: The image depicts an unidentified Loricariidae, and the metadata explicitly states it is not *H. plecostomus*, but the request specifies to use 'Plecostomus' as the primary name and fill in properties for it.
