Common Pleco Diet

A common pleco is the shorter name given to Hypostomus plecostomus, a popular fish in freshwater aquariums and ponds. They are also known as suckermouth catfish. Although they are often sold as small juveniles, common plecos can grow to 2 feet long. They are not to be confused with smaller plecostomus species such as the bristlenose plecostomus (Ancistrus dolichopterus.) However, all plecos eat basically the same diet.

  1. Main Diet

    • Plecos are mostly vegetarians. The main diet of a common pleco is algae. This could be green algae, brown algae or red algae. The pleco's sucker mouth is adapted in order to pry algae loose off of stubborn surfaces like pebbles, driftwood and plants. Dried algae wafers are widely available for plecos in pet shops and aquarium supply stores, according to "Freshwater Aquariums for Dummies."

    Significance

    • Because common plecos prefer algae, they are helpful in ponds and freshwater aquariums to control the algae population. Too much algae in a tank is not only unsightly but can rob the tank water of oxygen that fish need to survive. Although other fish may eat a little algae, they do not eat it in the vast quantities that common plecos do. Plecos also can effectively clean in crevices and bumps in tank decorations that other fish cannot get to.

    Treats

    • Plecos do enjoy a treat once a week, according to Aqualand Pets Plus, longtime fish breeders and hobbyists. Treats for common plecos include canned green beans, cooked and cooled green beans and cooked and cooled zucchini. Some also enjoy driftwood that has been treated for aquariums. Some common plecos also enjoy lettuce or spinach while others ignore it. All greens should be washed to be cleared of any pesticides or dirt before being placed in the tank. Freeze dried or frozen bloodworms or tubifex worms are also a treat, according to Fish Channel.com.

    Habits

    • Although common plecos prefer to eat algae, they will also eat leftover food that the other fish will not eat, or eat dead fish. Common plecos have also been known to start sucking on sick fish, according to "Goldfish: A Complete Pet Owner's Manual." To better get to algae, excess food or dead fish better, common plecos often physically remove plants from the gravel and knock over decorations, according to "Freshwater Aquariums for Dummies."

    Misconception

    • Contrary to popular belief, common plecos do not eat fish wastes. They may suck in a strand of fish excrement but then immediately spit it back out. Common plecos and other bottom-feeding fish are no substitute for regular tank cleanings and a working filter to deal with fish waste.