Plecostomus or Hypostomus plecostomus belong to the family Loricariidae. Loricariidae means armored catfish named so because the armor-like longitudinal rows of scutes that cover the upper parts of their bodies. This armor is actually composed boney platelets as opposed to the scales that are normally associated with fish. Plecotomus are native to Central and South America. The name plecostomus refers to a single species of what are known as common algae eaters. This statement is scientifically accurate but somewhat misleading. There are over 50 officially classified species of armored catfish native to this region of the world. The species name plecostomus has evolved to encompass all of the algae eaters in the family Loricariidae because of their similarity in appearance. This unofficial grouping is further shortened to plecos or simply plecs by aquarium hobbyists. Plecos have become one of the most easily recognizable and commonly owned aquarium fish on the planet. Their immense popularity is inarguably a result of their dietary habits. Their ease of recognition, however, should be only partially attributed to their near mandatory presence in a freshwater aquarium. Armored catfishes’ prehistoric origins set them apart from almost every other freshwater species in existence. Their appearance has remained virtually unchanged since they first swam the oceans long before dinosaurs roamed the face of the Earth. Owning a plecos is like having a living fossil in your aquarium. Plecos are also frequently referred to as suckermouths. This is understandable if you have ever seen one hang the full weight of its body from its mouth on the side of an aquarium. In nature, these fish inhabit a wide range of ecosystems but prefer the swift moving waters of rain driven rivers and streams. Their suction cup mouths allow them to remain virtually immobile in the strongest torrential runoffs. This same suctioning ability is one of the most effective means of taking in organic debris from the bottoms of streams and riverbeds ever produced by nature. Before you buy a plecostomus, you should be aware that these are not small fish. The ones you see in fish stores are young. In their natural habitat they can reach up to 24 inches. In captivity they will often grow to a foot long. If you have a smaller tank you can still enjoy the benefits of an algae eater. The variety commonly marketed as the clown plecostomus only grow to 3-4 inches. The king tiger plecostomus will top out at about 6 inches. Remember the title plecostomus has evolved into a blanket term even though the name “plecostomus” actually refers to a single species. If you pay attention to the labels or ask the right question you will have no trouble picking an algae eater that is right for your aquarium. Armored catfish are excellent additions to any community tank. They are bottom dwellers by nature. Bottom dwellers as a rule tend to ignore the activities of their fellow tank mates. When they venture up from their substrate domain to clean the interior walls of your aquarium they will remain focused on the task at hand rather than the fish swimming passed them. When it comes to the bottom of an aquarium, the plecos is king of its turf. Most armored catfish species are highly territorial. Of course this can be said for the vast majority of bottom dwellers. It is inadvisable to try to keep more than bottom dweller in an aquarium. All plecos are nocturnal. One of the first things they will do when they are introduced to a new environment is to seek out a place to call home. Supplying rock work or hollow aquarium décor is recommended in the set up of pretty much any community tank. This is of particular importance if you intend to keep nocturnal species. Providing these fish with a place to seek shelter during the day will help them more easily adapt to their new surroundings. The label “algae eater” is somewhat misleading. Scavenger fish are omnivorous. Most of a plecos’ daily dietary intake is from consuming the decomposing matter off the aquarium floor from the food scraps missed by other fish. This is every bit as beneficial to an aquarium owner as is their obvious affinity toward algae. Loricariids are quite possibly the ultimate scavenger. They can survive in conditions where other fish would wither and die of starvation. Simple survival however does not address optimum health and longevity. It is unwise to simply assume that your plecos’ dietary needs are being fully meant. Putting sinking wafers or pellets in your aquarium at night when the other fish are less active will help make sure your plecos’ dietary needs are being meant. Loricariids are not finicky eaters. They will eat the same vegetables humans do. They eat a wide variety of vegetables. Vegetables can be cooked or served raw, leafy like spinach or bulky like zucchini, broccoli, and cauliflower. Having driftwood in your aquarium is also recommended. Plecos love to nibble on drift wood. This would seem to indicate that wood provides a needed source of fiber. Many of the commercially available freshwater species are tank bred rather than captured from the wild. Attempts to do so with plecos have failed. A good percentage of plecos provided by the aquarium industry are mass produced in fish ponds and commercial hatcheries in Florida, Bangkok, Singapore and Hong Kong. The rest come form eggs gathered from riverbeds in South and Central America and then hatched on fish farms for export.
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If you have a smaller tank you can still enjoy the benefits of an algae eater. The variety commonly marketed as the clown plecostomus only grow to 3-4 inches. The king tiger plecostomus will top out at about 6 inches. The title plecostomus has evolved into a blanket term even though the name “plecostomus” actually refers to a single species.
A freshwater aquarium just doesn’t seem complete without an algae eater in it. They look really cool and they help keep your fish tank squeaky clean. To learn more on your favorite freshwater aquarium fish see the online fish guide.
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