Types of Pleco

Plecostomuses, commonly called plecos or algae eaters, are an armored catfish from the Loricariidae family. Native to South America, they are very popular with aquarium hobbyists for their ease of care and because they can be voracious algae eaters. Their armored skin also makes them ideal for keeping with larger, more aggressive fish. Since their introduction to aquariums, collectors have been importing more exotic colorings and ornate designs on the sucker mouth, bristle nose and sailfin varieties.

  1. Common Pleco

    • The most common pleco found in home aquariums is the aptly named Common Pleco. This pleco is usually bred in Florida pleco farms and can be a voracious eater and fast grower. There is not enough algae in even the dirtiest home aquarium to support a pleco, so they all need to be fed additional algae tablets. Common plecos can grow quite large, even in smaller aquariums and can become increasingly aggressive as they age, especially towards other plecos.

    Bristlenose and Bushynose

    • Bristlenose or Bushynose Plecos are available in a variety of colors and patterns. Named for the bristle- or whisker-like protrusions that grow around the mouth and nose of the fish, bristle and bushy plecos are great for keepers looking for a fish that is a little out of the norm. These plecos require at least a 30-gallon tank to house them through adulthood.

    Sailfin Plecos

    • The Sailfin Pleco can be very similar in appearance to the Common Pleco (and may actually be sold under the same name). Like the Common Pleco, sailfins can rapidly grow to more than 18 inches in length and may become quite aggressive with age. They need a minimum of a 125-gallon tank. Named for the large dorsal fin, sailfins are available in a wide variety of colors and patterns.

    Golden Nugget Pleco

    • As more hobbyists began adding plecos to their tanks, aquarium stores began searching for more beautiful and unique plecos to meet the demand. The Golden Nugget Pleco is a very popular "fancy" pleco, noted for its bright gold spots and a golden band on the dorsal fin. Golden Nuggets are generally 6 to 8 inches full grown and are mostly peaceable except with other plecos and bottom feeders

    Otocinclus

    • Otocinclus are among the smallest of all algae eaters currently available. They only reach 2 inches in length and are not aggressivel as some other pleco species can be. This species is a great choice for small aquariums populated with smaller, non-aggressive fish like tetras and mollies. Otos happily feed on the algae growing in the tank, but should be supplemented with spinach and zucchini.