Common Pleco

This is the suckermouth catfish most commonly sold in Türkiye as an "algae eater." With its spotted dark body and large, sail-like dorsal fin it looks very cute as a juvenile; it is recommended for every aquarium because "it cleans the algae."

The truth is: It reaches 20–25 cm within the first year and 40–45 cm within a few years, lives 15–20 years and produces a huge amount of waste. For community aquariums, ancistrus (12 cm) is the right choice. Plecos that outgrow their aquarium must not be released into the wild: in many countries where it has been released (USA, Mexico, Southeast Asia), this species has become invasive and harmed local ecosystems.

It lives over muddy bottoms in slow-flowing Amazon channels, lakes and swamps; it digs nesting tunnels in the banks.

• Volume: At least 500 liters and 180 cm in length for one adult.
• Filter: Very powerful filtration (canister filter or sump) and frequent water changes.
• Decor: Large, sturdy roots (it rasps on them for fiber), caves. It uproots and eats plants.
• Water: 24–27°C; it adapts to a wide range of parameters.

An omnivore with a mainly herbivorous diet. The algae in the aquarium is never enough for an adult common pleco: algae wafers, zucchini, cucumber, potato, spinach, peas and occasionally frozen food should be given. Rasping on wood is necessary for its digestion.

It is peaceful toward other species, but as it grows it becomes territorial toward its own kind and other large bottom dwellers. It is known to suck the slime coat of slow, flat-bodied fish (discus, angelfish, goldfish).

Good companions: Large, fast fish: oscars, large barbs, silver dollars, large cichlids (in a very large aquarium).

Avoid: Small aquariums, slow, flat-bodied fish such as goldfish and discus, a second large pleco (in a small aquarium).

In a home aquarium a single individual is kept. A group is only possible in ponds or very large systems (1000 liters and up).

In the wild it breeds in tunnels it digs in the banks; it does not breed in the aquarium. Commercial breeding is done in ponds.

Hardy. The real problem is insufficient space and diet: in a small aquarium growth does not stop, but health deteriorates and water quality collapses.

Difficult to tell apart externally; mature males may have thicker, longer pectoral fin spines.