Temp 7082, some water movement, aeration, places to hide, water changes behavior a very peaceful community fish. Hypostomus plecostomus suckermouth catfish discover life. Hypostomus plecostomus, also known as the suckermouth catfish or the common pleco, is a tropical fish belonging to the armored catfish family loricariidae. Discover lifes page about the biology, natural history, ecology, identification and distribution of hypostomus plecostomus suckermouth catfish discover life. Stream adfree or purchase cds and mp3s now on amazon. The term plecostomus means folded mouth and is applied to a large number of species with a suckermouth characteristic, though they differ in length, coloration, and other features like the whisker type extensions around the mouth of the bristlenose catfish ancistrus spp. There are many plecostomus pleco species in the world. Sailfin catfish are native to the amazon river basin of south america and most likely found their way up to texas via the aquarium trade. An hypostomus plecostomus in uska species han actinopterygii nga syahan ginhulagway ni linnaeus hadton 1758.
Cotm 2005 december shanes world reproduction spawning panaque sp, l204. Hypostomus plecostomus was also recognized based on fixed allelic differences with other hypostomus species analysed. Plecostomus, pleco, or plec is the common name of several species of freshwater loricariid. This page is a guide on keeping plecostomus fish including diet, tank setup and faq with answers. Territorial, the fish does best when theres only one plecostomus in the aquarium. Hypostomus plecostomus, was the first described representative of the genus. However this name was often erroneously applied to numerous other species. Plecostomus catfish are some of the most commonly kept algaeeating catfish, and are also some of the largest. Individuals measuring over 60 cm 2 ft long have been reported in ponds and large tanks. How to choose the right plecostomus pleco pethelpful. At first i saw a bnch of poop because there was a build up of algae, and i had the lights on all the time but no plants.
In total there are more than 150 different species. It is also captured for commercial use as an aquarium fish. Common pleco, janitor fish, pleco, plecostomus, sea hasar, spotted pleco, suckermouth catfish, etc. Plecostomus amongst us texas saltwater fishing magazine. Plecos attach themselves to hard surfaces with specially adapted mouth parts. For example, the common pleco, hypostomus plecostomus, can grow to over 12 and will eventually need an aquarium of at least 75 gallons, while otocinclus will be perfectly content in a 10 gallon tank. Seine englische bezeichnung lautet suckermouth catfish oder common pleco. The trinidad pleco or common pleco hypostomus plecostomus is one of the most common and popular plecos in the aquarium trade and is often sold as an algaeeater for all types of aquariums. You see many at the local fish store, anywhere from two inches to a foot. It is sometimes called an algae eater, suckerfish or suckermouth catfish. Pleco, plecostomus, hypostomus plecostomu catfish guide. The common name for this catfish comes from the bristlelike barbells that are present on the upper side of the mouth. The toothnose plecostomus makes a good addition to any community aquarium. Plecostomus green dragon longfin back to species page water conditions not critical.
I wasnt offering him anything other than the wafersdidnt know i needed to. This pleco can grow very large over 2 feet in length and they are omnivorous eating both meaty foods and plant matter. They can attach themselves to hard surfaces using specially adapted mouth parts. Plecostomus, suckermouth catfish, pleco hypostomus plecostomus synonyms. Suckermouth catfish hypostomus plecostomus species profile. It is covered everywhere but the belly with large bony plates. The plecostomus is a freshwater fish found in south america. Plecostomus pleco fish care, size, life span, tank mates. Pdf identity of hypostomus plecostomus linnaeus, 1758. Raw vegetables should be anchored near the bottom of the aquarium. Plecostomus, or plecos as they are often called, belong. Loricariids can be found in most freshwater habitats in tropical costa rica, panama, and south america, but many species have small natural ranges.
Pdf hypostomus plecostomus maripaz quintero academia. Plecos patterns change with the background and their mood. Is cultured in ponds in singapore and hong kong for the aquarium trade, where it is very popular ref. Origin edit edit source throughout northern south america and trinidad.
Plecostomus punctatus, numerous others have been used in the past. It is covered everywhere but the belly with large, bony plates. Its mouth, located on the underside of the head, has suctioncuplike lips that suck algae by adhering to smooth surfaces. Pavement cells are the most abundant type of cell on both filament and lamellar. The genus was included in the key to texas fishes of hubbs et al. For example, the common pleco, hypostomus plecostomus, can grow to over 12 and will eventually need an aquarium of at least 75 gallons, while otocinclus will be perfectly content in a 10 gallon aquarium. References to pleco are specifically referring to the common pleco species hypostomus plecostomus, liposarcus pardalis, liposarcus multiradiatus, etc. Hypostomus plecostomus have 7 dorsal fin rays and an elongated, dark brown body with a large head. The mouth is located on the underside of the head and is shaped like a suction cup. These catfish are sometimes referred to as janitor fish for their ability to clean tank algae. This species can pinch and make holes in plastic bags with its pointed teeth. There are all different types and colors of pleco, and they have all different personalities. They can also be found in some brackish water habitats.
Sailfin suckermouth catfishes are actually in the genus pterygoplichthys, but older literature had them in the genus plecostomus or plecos and that is what they are commonly called in the aquarium trade. Members of the loricariidae family of suckermouth catfish, plecostomus, or plecos, have specially adapted mouthparts, enabling them to attach to substrate. However, it is also one of the least suited for most home aquariums. Depending on the species, they can range from 5 inches to 2 feet long. Synonyms acipenser plecostomus, hypostomus guacari, loricaria flava, plecostomus bicirrosus, plecostomus brasiliensis, plecostomus plecostomus. Some plecos require driftwood as part of their diet. Housing requirements for plecostomus with so many species of suckermouth catfish to choose from, no matter what size aquarium or type of fish you own there is one just right for you. See a rich collection of stock image wallpapers of hypostomus plecostomus fish, one of the most popular pics vectors, or photos for hypostomus plecostomus fish free download. As is common with loricariids, there is a considerable tangling of taxonomy in. Common names this fish is know by include pleco, plecostomus, plec. Plecostomus, pleco, or plec is the common name of several species of freshwater loricariid catfish commonly sold as aquarium fish. Hypostomus plecostomus us fish and wildlife service.
Hypostomus plecostomus details fish of the month tfh. The plecostomus, or suckermouth catfish, is found in fresh and brackish waters and prefers fastflowing streams and rivers with pebbly substrate. Hypostomus has officially replaced the generic name plecostomus. Caring for plecostomus catfish with diet and breeding. Epithelial gill cells in the armored catfish, hypostomus cf.
Most plecostomus are peaceful fish and prefer to rest or slowly graze over the aquarium bottom, and do an excellent job of cleaning unwanted algae from the bottom and sides of the tank. The toothnose plecostomus comes from the amazon basin of south america. Its appearance varies based on its surroundings and environment. The identity of the species in this genus hypostomus that are established in the united states is uncertain. The hypostomus plescostomus can store air in its intestine allowing it to survive in poor conditions. The plecostomus catfish, or pleco for short, is a name used for the catfishes that belong to the loricariidae family.
This species occurs naturally in fresh and brackish waters of river mouths on the pacific. A dark brown to black base coloration with very thin white to yellow vertical lines starting form on the upper body and reach to the lower body. By its name, its no surprise this is the most common pleco for fishkeepers. Many people think that common pleco is the name for several different types of plecos, but it is actually the common name for the hypostomus plecostomus species. Theres a forum under the article so no matter whether youd like to share experiences or ask a question youre welcome. The pleco gets along well with most other fish, though, so hes a great addition to your community tank. Plecostomus plecostomus linnaeus, 1758 plecostomus brasiliensis. Supplement with raw zucchini or cucumbers as a treat once or twice a week. Also found throughout the orinoco basin, although some authors believe that orinoco. Pleco is the common name for catfish species in the family loricariidae.