Generally speaking, common plecos are one of the larger types of plecos out there. How to choose the right plecostomus pleco pethelpful. Plecostomus punctatus, numerous others have been used in the past. Raw vegetables should be anchored near the bottom of the aquarium. Plecostomus, pleco, or plec is the common name of several species of freshwater loricariid catfish commonly sold as aquarium fish. Plecostomus, suckermouth catfish, pleco hypostomus plecostomus synonyms. The plecostomus, or suckermouth catfish, is found in fresh and brackish waters and prefers fastflowing streams and rivers with pebbly substrate. Pavement cells are the most abundant type of cell on both filament and lamellar. The mouth is located on the underside of the head and is shaped like a suction cup. The common plecostomus or pleco is sold in large numbers. Hypostomus plecostomus was also recognized based on fixed allelic differences with other hypostomus species analysed.
The common pleco or plecostomus can be a nice fish for the appropriate tank. Plecostomus, or plecos as they are often called, belong. Pdf hypostomus plecostomus maripaz quintero academia. Hypostomus plecostomus, also known as the suckermouth catfish or the common pleco, is a tropical fish belonging to the armored catfish family loricariidae. These catfish are sometimes referred to as janitor fish for their ability to clean tank algae. This page is a guide on keeping plecostomus fish including diet, tank setup and faq with answers. Hypostomus plecostomus is the most geographically widespread of the loricariids. Origin edit edit source throughout northern south america and trinidad. Some plecos require driftwood as part of their diet.
Supplement with raw zucchini or cucumbers as a treat once or twice a week. Pleco, plecostomus, hypostomus plecostomu catfish guide. I wasnt offering him anything other than the wafersdidnt know i needed to. Plecostomus, pleco, or plec is the common name of several species of freshwater loricariid. It is sometimes called an algae eater, suckerfish or suckermouth catfish. Discover lifes page about the biology, natural history, ecology, identification and distribution of hypostomus plecostomus suckermouth catfish discover life. Members of the loricariidae family of suckermouth catfish, plecostomus, or plecos, have specially adapted mouthparts, enabling them to attach to substrate. Hypostomus plecostomus suckermouth catfish discover life. As is common with loricariids, there is a considerable tangling of taxonomy in. Additional names pleco, common pleco, suckermouth catfish, plec additional scientific names acipenser plecostomus, hypostomus guacari, loricaria flava, plecostomus bicirrosus, plecostomus brasiliensis, plecostomus plecostomus. Caring for plecostomus catfish with diet and breeding. Plecostomus plecostomus linnaeus, 1758 plecostomus brasiliensis.
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. 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. The hypostomus plescostomus can store air in its intestine allowing it to survive in poor conditions. Common pleco, janitor fish, pleco, plecostomus, sea hasar, spotted pleco, suckermouth catfish, etc. Its mouth, located on the underside of the head, has suctioncuplike lips that suck algae by adhering to smooth surfaces. However this name was often erroneously applied to numerous other species. Pleco is the common name for catfish species in the family loricariidae. 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. 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. Hypostomus plecostomus, the suckermouth catfish or common pleco, hypo under, stoma mouth, pleco pleated is a tropical fish belonging to the armored catfish family loricariidae, named for the armorlike longitudinal rows of scutes that cover the upper parts of the head and body the lower surface of head and abdomen is naked. Depending on the species, they can range from 5 inches to 2 feet long.
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. Common names this fish is know by include pleco, plecostomus, plec. In total there are more than 150 different species. They can attach themselves to hard surfaces using specially adapted mouth parts. Is cultured in ponds in singapore and hong kong for the aquarium trade, where it is very popular ref. The plecostomus is a freshwater fish found in south america. Plecostomus green dragon longfin back to species page water conditions not critical. Seine englische bezeichnung lautet suckermouth catfish oder common pleco. The pleco gets along well with most other fish, though, so hes a great addition to your community tank. 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. It is also captured for commercial use as an aquarium fish. Plecos are wellknown algae eaters that originated in the rivers of the amazon jungle in south america.
Hypostomus plecostomus have 7 dorsal fin rays and an elongated, dark brown body with a large head. Territorial, the fish does best when theres only one plecostomus in the aquarium. 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. However, it is also one of the least suited for most home aquariums. The identity of the species in this genus hypostomus that are established in the united states is uncertain. This species occurs naturally in fresh and brackish waters of river mouths on the pacific. It is covered everywhere but the belly with large, bony plates. References to pleco are specifically referring to the common pleco species hypostomus plecostomus, liposarcus pardalis, liposarcus multiradiatus, etc. The plecostomus catfish, or pleco for short, is a name used for the catfishes that belong to the loricariidae family. It is black with many striking yellow spots covering the entire body. Plecostomus amongst us texas saltwater fishing magazine. Epithelial gill cells in the armored catfish, hypostomus cf. This species can pinch and make holes in plastic bags with its pointed teeth.
Plecostomus catfish are some of the most commonly kept algaeeating catfish, and are also some of the largest. Hypostomus has officially replaced the generic name plecostomus. Hypostomus plecostomus details fish of the month tfh. The common name for this catfish comes from the bristlelike barbells that are present on the upper side of the mouth. Loricariids can be found in most freshwater habitats in tropical costa rica, panama, and south america, but many species have small natural ranges. 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. Plecos patterns change with the background and their mood. Hypostomus plecostomus, was the first described representative of the genus. Also found throughout the orinoco basin, although some authors believe that orinoco. Synonyms acipenser plecostomus, hypostomus guacari, loricaria flava, plecostomus bicirrosus, plecostomus brasiliensis, plecostomus plecostomus. 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. Plecostomus tend to be secretive, so caves, hollow logs and other sizeappropriate hiding places should be available in the aquarium. Its appearance varies based on its surroundings and environment. Stream adfree or purchase cds and mp3s now on amazon. There are all different types and colors of pleco, and they have all different personalities. It is covered everywhere but the belly with large bony plates. See more ideas about plecostomus, freshwater fish and beautiful fish. 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. Pdf identity of hypostomus plecostomus linnaeus, 1758. The genus was included in the key to texas fishes of hubbs et al. This pleco can grow very large over 2 feet in length and they are omnivorous eating both meaty foods and plant matter. The toothnose plecostomus makes a good addition to any community aquarium.
An hypostomus plecostomus in uska species han actinopterygii nga syahan ginhulagway ni linnaeus hadton 1758. They can also be found in some brackish water habitats. Hypostomus robinii is regarded as harmless to humans and is not evaluated on the icun red list. You see many at the local fish store, anywhere from two inches to a foot. Plecostomus pleco fish care, size, life span, tank mates. Suckermouth catfish hypostomus plecostomus species profile. Cotm 2005 december shanes world reproduction spawning panaque sp, l204. Plecos attach themselves to hard surfaces with specially adapted mouth parts.