What Can I Feed My Pleco?

Plecos are freshwater aquarium fish similar in appearance and habits to catfish--they have sucker mouths with whiskers and spend most of their time at the bottom of the tank. However, plecos are not scavengers like catfish are.

  1. Pleco Dietary Needs

    • Many fish keepers add plecos to the tank to control algae. While plecos do a good job at this, they also need other foods. Plecos are primarily vegetarian, but other foods can be given to add variety.

    Commercial Fish Foods

    • Manufacturers make several kinds of foods that sink to the bottom of the tank for bottom-dwelling fish. Get algae-based tablets or shrimp pellets for plecos.

    Vegetables

    • Plecos will eat fibrous, hearty vegetables such as zucchini, cucumbers, potatoes, lettuce, spinach and peas. Blanch them (cook in boiling water) for three minutes, then let cool. Most of these vegetables will be heavy enough to sink when you drop them into the tank. Vegetables that float can be attached to the side of the tank using specialized clips sold at aquarium stores.

    Live Foods

    • Bloodworms and mealworms are popular and nutritious choices.

    When to Feed

    • Plecos are nocturnal, meaning they are most active at night; feed them during the evening hours.

    Tip

    • Plecos also like to chew on driftwood.