Pleco Fish Type

Some people may refer to a plecostomus or pleco fish as a sucker mouth catfish or suckerfish. It is from South America and can live for about 10 to 20 years. Typically, the pleco fish is a low-key aquatic animal that frequently eats the algae in your aquarium. Additionally, this fish may reach 4 to 18 inches in length. The pleco fish thrives in water temperatures that range from 73 to 82 degrees Fahrenheit. These fish look similar but have diverse patterns on the body.

  1. Clown Pleco

    • The clown pleco grows to about 5 inches long and lives for about 12 years. Its naturally habitat is in South American rivers. If you plan to purchase this fish for an aquarium, the minimum tank size is 29 gallons. Additionally, it likes to take refuge in caves and hideaways during the day. However, the pleco fish is most active at night in search of food and prefers the bottom of the tank. This fish is brown and black, and it resembles the pattern seen on a tiger. Other names for the clown pleco fish include candy-striped pleco, tiger pleco and tiger-striped pleco fish.

    Bristlenose Pleco

    • Bristlenose pleco is also commonly known as bushy nose catfish and bristlenose catfish. It has bristles that stand out along its lips and head. This fish is a peaceful fish that needs at least a 20-gallon fish tank. It can live approximately 20 years. Its natural habitat is in the rivers and streams throughout South America.

    Snowball Pleco

    • A snowball pleco has a dark color resembling black with polka dots over its body. It grows up to 12 inches long and lives for about 12 years. This type of pleco, like the other pleco fish, hangs around the bottom of the tank. Additionally, the fish prefers dim lighting and plenty of places to hide in an aquarium such as tunnels, large rocks and caves.

    Zebra Pleco

    • The zebra pleco is a dark fish with black-and-white stripes, similar to a zebra. Some people may refer to the zebra pleco fish as an L46 or zebra plecostomus. This type of pleco can reach about 4 inches in length can live for about 15 years. The zebra pleco should have at least a 20-gallon tank. The fish swims along the bottom of its habitat, such as an aquarium or body of water, and it may eat rotten vegetables and fruits. This fish may ambush small invertebrates.