{"product_id":"common-plecos-hypostomus-plecostomus","title":"Common Plecos (Hypostomus plecostomus)","description":"\u003cbody\u003e\n\n\n  \n\u003cmeta name=\"viewport\" content=\"width=device-width,initial-scale=1.0\"\u003e\n  \u003ctitle\u003eCommon Pleco - Superior Shrimp and Aquatics\u003c\/title\u003e\n  \u003clink href=\"https:\/\/fonts.googleapis.com\/css2?family=Playfair+Display:wght@400;600;700\u0026amp;family=DM+Sans:wght@300;400;500\u0026amp;display=swap\" rel=\"stylesheet\"\u003e\n  \u003cstyle\u003e\n\n    .ssa-pd *, .ssa-pd *::before, .ssa-pd *::after { box-sizing: border-box; }\n    @keyframes fadeUp { from { opacity: 0; transform: translateY(16px); } to { opacity: 1; transform: translateY(0); } }\n    .ssa-pd { font-family: 'DM Sans', sans-serif !important; color: #1e1a1a !important; background: #fff !important; line-height: 1.75 !important; }\n    .ssa-pd .hero { background: linear-gradient(150deg, #111111 0%, #2a0000 60%, #F40909 100%) !important; padding: 3.5rem 3rem 2.8rem !important; 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}\n  \n  \u003c\/style\u003e\n\n\n\u003cdiv class=\"ssa-pd\"\u003e\n  \u003cdiv class=\"hero\"\u003e\n    \u003cstyle\u003e.ssa-pd .hero::before{content:\"\u0026#128032;\";}\u003c\/style\u003e\n    \u003cspan class=\"hero-tag\"\u003eFreshwater Fish\u003c\/span\u003e\n    \u003ch1\u003eCommon Pleco\u003c\/h1\u003e\n    \u003cp class=\"hero-sub\"\u003eThe classic armoured catfish of the freshwater hobby -- a powerful, long-lived algae grazer and wood rasper with a striking patterned brown body. Grows large and requires a spacious, well-filtered aquarium to thrive long-term.\u003c\/p\u003e\n  \u003c\/div\u003e\n  \u003cdiv class=\"feature-pills\"\u003e\n    \u003cspan class=\"fpill\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"dot\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e Brown-Grey Armoured Body\u003c\/span\u003e\n    \u003cspan class=\"fpill\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"dot\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e Hypostomus plecostomus\u003c\/span\u003e\n    \u003cspan class=\"fpill\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"dot\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e Up to 24 Inches at Maturity\u003c\/span\u003e\n    \u003cspan class=\"fpill\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"dot\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e pH 6.5–7.5\u003c\/span\u003e\n    \u003cspan class=\"fpill\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"dot\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e Powerful Algae \u0026amp; Wood Grazer\u003c\/span\u003e\n    \u003cspan class=\"fpill\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"dot\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e Large Tank Required\u003c\/span\u003e\n  \u003c\/div\u003e\n  \u003cdiv class=\"body-wrap\"\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"prose\"\u003e\n\n    \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCommon Plecos\u003c\/strong\u003e (\u003cem\u003eHypostomus plecostomus\u003c\/em\u003e), also known as Suckermouth Catfish or Brown Plecos, are one of the most widely recognised freshwater fish in the hobby and have been a staple of the aquarium trade for decades. The body is covered in bony armoured plates in a brown to grey-brown base with a darker spotted or mottled pattern that varies between individuals. The large, pronounced sucker mouth on the underside of the head is the species' most distinctive anatomical feature and the tool it uses to rasp algae from glass, wood, and stone with remarkable efficiency. Native to coastal rivers of northeastern South America, they are robust, long-lived fish that can reach 12 to 24 inches at full maturity and live for 10 to 15 years in well-maintained conditions. They are hardy, adaptable, and one of the most effective algae-grazing fish available at any price point -- but their eventual size means they require a considerably larger tank than most hobbyists anticipate when purchasing juvenile fish.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n    \u003cdiv class=\"stat-row\"\u003e\n      \u003cdiv class=\"stat-card\"\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"stat-value\"\u003e6.5–7.5\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"stat-label\"\u003epH\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n      \u003cdiv class=\"stat-card\"\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"stat-value\"\u003e3–15\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"stat-label\"\u003eGH (dGH)\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n      \u003cdiv class=\"stat-card\"\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"stat-value\"\u003e72–82°F\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"stat-label\"\u003eTemperature\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n      \u003cdiv class=\"stat-card\"\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"stat-value\"\u003e12–24 in\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"stat-label\"\u003eMax Size\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n    \u003c\/div\u003e\n\n    \u003cspan class=\"section-label\"\u003eAppearance \u0026amp; Character\u003c\/span\u003e\n    \u003ch2\u003eArmoured, Powerful \u0026amp; Long-Lived\u003c\/h2\u003e\n    \u003cdiv class=\"bullet-list\"\u003e\n      \u003cspan class=\"bl-item\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBony armoured plates covering the full body in brown-grey with darker mottled patterning.\u003c\/strong\u003e Unlike scaled fish, the Common Pleco is covered in bony scute plates that provide significant physical protection and give the body a textured, prehistoric appearance. The base colour is brown to grey-brown with a darker spotted or reticulated pattern that varies between individuals. The large triangular dorsal fin, broad flat head, and powerful sucker mouth give the fish a distinctive silhouette that is immediately recognisable even in juveniles at 2 to 3 inches. The fish's appearance changes noticeably between juvenile and adult stages as the body deepens and the head broadens with maturity.\u003c\/span\u003e\n      \u003cspan class=\"bl-item\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePowerful algae rasper and wood grazer -- one of the most effective in the hobby.\u003c\/strong\u003e The sucker mouth of the Common Pleco is equipped with a radula capable of rasping algae from smooth glass, rough stone, and driftwood surfaces with efficiency that no other commonly kept freshwater fish matches at scale. They rasp driftwood continuously to obtain cellulose and tannins, which is an important dietary component and the reason driftwood should always be available in a Pleco tank. Without wood access the fish's digestive health declines over time.\u003c\/span\u003e\n      \u003cspan class=\"bl-item\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGrows 12 to 24 inches at maturity -- requires a tank of 75 gallons or more for an adult.\u003c\/strong\u003e Juvenile Common Plecos at 2 to 3 inches are frequently purchased for small aquariums and outgrow their environment within one to two years. A full-grown adult at 18 inches requires a minimum of 75 to 100 gallons with powerful filtration to handle the significant waste output of a large, active fish. Plan for the adult size before purchasing.\u003c\/span\u003e\n      \u003cspan class=\"bl-item\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLong-lived -- 10 to 15 years in well-maintained conditions.\u003c\/strong\u003e The Common Pleco is not a short-term pet. A well-maintained adult is a 10 to 15-year commitment that will outlive many of the other fish it is kept with. This longevity is one of the species' most appealing characteristics for dedicated fishkeepers and one of the most significant practical considerations for anyone purchasing a juvenile.\u003c\/span\u003e\n      \u003cspan class=\"bl-item\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePrimarily nocturnal -- most active after lights-out.\u003c\/strong\u003e Common Plecos are most active at night, emerging from hides and driftwood shelters to graze extensively through the dark hours. During the day they typically shelter under driftwood, in caves, or in other shaded areas. In a well-established tank with adequate hiding spaces they become progressively bolder over time and may graze during daylight hours, but the majority of their feeding activity occurs nocturnally.\u003c\/span\u003e\n    \u003c\/div\u003e\n\n    \u003cspan class=\"section-label\"\u003eTank Setup \u0026amp; Care\u003c\/span\u003e\n    \u003ch2\u003eRequirements for Long-Term Health\u003c\/h2\u003e\n    \u003cdiv class=\"bullet-list\"\u003e\n      \u003cspan class=\"bl-item\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDriftwood is essential -- not optional.\u003c\/strong\u003e Common Plecos rasp wood continuously as a dietary requirement. Driftwood provides cellulose and biofilm that are important components of a healthy Pleco diet. A tank without driftwood will result in a nutritionally deficient fish regardless of how well it is fed prepared foods. Provide at least one substantial piece of \u003ca href=\"\/es\/collections\/hardscape-parent\" title=\"Aquarium hardscape | rocks, wood \u0026amp; aquascaping supplies – superior shrimp \u0026amp; aquatics\" aria-label=\"Aquarium hardscape | rocks, wood \u0026amp; aquascaping supplies – superior shrimp \u0026amp; aquatics\"\u003edriftwood\u003c\/a\u003e and replace it as it is consumed over time.\u003c\/span\u003e\n      \u003cspan class=\"bl-item\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePowerful filtration required -- produces significant waste.\u003c\/strong\u003e Adult Common Plecos are among the highest-bioload freshwater fish commonly kept in the hobby. They produce large quantities of waste relative to their size, and a filtration system rated for at least twice the tank volume is the standard recommendation. Regular gravel vacuuming and water changes are essential to maintain the water quality the fish requires for long-term health.\u003c\/span\u003e\n      \u003cspan class=\"bl-item\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSupplement with algae wafers, blanched vegetables, and sinking pellets.\u003c\/strong\u003e While Common Plecos are outstanding algae grazers, a tank's natural algae supply is rarely sufficient to meet the nutritional needs of a large adult. Supplement daily with high-quality algae wafers, sinking catfish pellets, and blanched vegetables including zucchini, cucumber, carrot, and spinach. Remove uneaten vegetables after 24 hours.\u003c\/span\u003e\n      \u003cspan class=\"bl-item\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProvide caves and sheltered areas for daytime refuge.\u003c\/strong\u003e Common Plecos are territorial and require sheltered hiding areas to feel secure and to rest during daylight hours. Driftwood structures, PVC pipe sections, or dedicated cave decorations provide the daytime refuge the fish needs. In a tank with multiple Plecos ensure there are sufficient separate territories to prevent aggression.\u003c\/span\u003e\n      \u003cspan class=\"bl-item\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eShrimp compatibility -- adults will consume shrimp.\u003c\/strong\u003e Adult Common Plecos at full size are large enough to consume dwarf shrimp and will do so opportunistically at night. Juvenile Plecos at 2 to 3 inches are generally safe with adult Neocaridina shrimp, but as the fish grows this changes. Do not keep adult Common Plecos in a shrimp breeding tank.\u003c\/span\u003e\n    \u003c\/div\u003e\n\n    \u003cdiv class=\"tip-box\"\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"tip-label\"\u003eKeeper's Note\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe Common Pleco is one of the most underappreciated fish in the hobby when kept in an appropriately sized tank with driftwood and proper nutrition. A fully grown adult at 15 to 18 inches on a large piece of dark driftwood in a 100-gallon planted setup is a genuinely impressive and commanding display animal -- the armoured body, the prehistoric silhouette, the powerful rasping behaviour, and the sheer physical presence of a large healthy specimen are things that no small nano fish can replicate. The investment of time, space, and filtration required to reach that outcome is significant, but for the aquarist willing to commit, the Common Pleco is one of the most rewarding long-term freshwater fish available.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n    \u003ca href=\"\/es\/collections\/freshwater-fish-parent\" class=\"cta-block\" title=\"🐠 browse more freshwater fishbrowse our full freshwater fish collection. →\" aria-label=\"🐠 browse more freshwater fishbrowse our full freshwater fish collection. →\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"cta-icon\"\u003e🐠\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"cta-text\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBrowse more freshwater fish\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cp\u003eBrowse our full \u003cspan style=\"color:#F40909;font-weight:500;\"\u003eFreshwater Fish collection\u003c\/span\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cspan style=\"color:rgba(255,255,255,0.4);font-size:1.4rem;\"\u003e→\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\n\n    \u003cdiv class=\"policy-bar\"\u003e\n      \u003cspan\u003eBefore placing your order, please review our\u003c\/span\u003e\n      \u003ca href=\"\/es\/pages\/doa-policy\" title=\"Live arrival guarantee | superior shrimp \u0026amp; aquatics\" aria-label=\"Live arrival guarantee | superior shrimp \u0026amp; aquatics\"\u003eDOA Policy\u003c\/a\u003e\n      \u003ca href=\"\/es\/pages\/shipping-info-practices\" title=\"Shipping policies, info \u0026amp; practices – superior shrimp \u0026amp; aquatics\" aria-label=\"Shipping policies, info \u0026amp; practices – superior shrimp \u0026amp; aquatics\"\u003eShipping Info\u003c\/a\u003e\n    \u003c\/div\u003e\n\n  \u003c\/div\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/body\u003e","brand":"Superior Shrimp \u0026 Aquatics","offers":[{"title":"Juvenile","offer_id":45073800659152,"sku":null,"price":6.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Young","offer_id":45073800691920,"sku":null,"price":9.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Adult","offer_id":45073800724688,"sku":null,"price":14.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0639\/2895\/9184\/files\/common-plecos-hypostomus-plecostomus-947.webp?v=1784567666","url":"https:\/\/www.superiorshrimpaquatics.com\/es\/products\/common-plecos-hypostomus-plecostomus","provider":"Superior Shrimp \u0026 Aquatics","version":"1.0","type":"link"}