The plants will act as a shelter from the light. Here’s a quick shopping list of the supplies you’ll need to set-up the ultimate rubber lipped pleco tank! Such unexpected adaptability to completely different environmental conditions was developed by the fish during its evolution and thus guaranteed that the fi… Bristlenose Pleco: Food, Lifespan, Types and Tank size November 26, 2020 June 20, 2020 by Praful kharade Ancistrus also known as bristlenose pleco is a genus of nocturnal freshwater fish in order Siluriformes family Loricariidae, native to South America and Panama freshwater habitats. The adult fishes are a little too aggressive as well, and they do not res… Some specimens living in massive environments can reach similar lengths in captivity, although this is pretty rare. Their size and tank requirement can make everything look complex. Plecos are generally docile, but they will eat dead and dying fish if they can. They are algae-eating fish like their bigger cousins, but much more appropriate for most tanks. What is the MINIMUM tank size for a common pleco? The water temperature and pH range for Bristlenose Plecos is between 60-80 degrees Fahrenheit with a … The Bristlenose pleco, also known as the bushynose pleco, is a peaceful addition to your community. Note: For the purposes of this article I will not be differentiating between the species of "pleco". This coupled with the fact that plecos can reach over a foot in length means a very large tank and efficient biological cycle are needed to properly house and care for the common pleco. Even if they were, it would be a good idea to include a heater in the tank to make sure the water temperature never drops too far. Males will find a suitable cave for spawning. These fish can exhibit aggressive behavior when they are fully grown. The same goes for the tail, pectoral, and pelvic fins. Plecos can suffer from all of the same diseases as other freshwater fish. The last thing I want to go through is the common diseases these fish could suffer from. Origin: Brazil Size: 25cm / 10″ Tank size: 30 gallons As the plecostomus is a nocturnal fish, they are most active at night time. Author Note: Other color variations do exist. They can be distinguished from Common Pleco by their flat and fat body and a wide head. Common name: Common Pleco, Trinidad Plecostomus Scientific name: Hypostomus Plecostomus Average Adult Fish Size: 1 – 2 feet / 30-60 cm Place of Origin: Central and South America Typical Tank setup: S. American biotope with rocks, caves, driftwood/bogwood, and sturdy, well-rooted plants. Most novice fish keepers don’t realize that the tiny 3-inch fish they bought from the pet store is a monster in the making. Use a fine sand substrate at the bottom. But, unlike the pleco, they do not eat much algae. Consider at least a 55-gallon tank to allow a young pleco room to grow. Rhino Plecos can be identified by the number of rays they have in their dorsal fins. Larger is always better with the Common Pleco. As long as your plecos needs are met, you should have little trouble with this bottom dweller. Description: common Pleco(Hypostomus plecostomus )...coming up on 5 inches now! Sailfin pleco or gibbiceps pleco (lat. It’s very important to make sure the parameters and general conditions are stable. This coupled with the fact that plecos can reach over a foot in length means a very large tank and efficient biological cycle are needed to properly house and care for the common pleco. Stick to a consistent schedule when it comes to testing the water (once a week should be fine). On top of the sand, arrange live plants. They are friendly and mellow fish that usually get along with other peaceful community species. The Common Pleco is typically purchased as a juvenile when it is about 3 inches (8 cm) in length, but this fish gets very large as an adult. Plecostomus tend to be secretive, so caves, hollow logs and other size-appropriate hiding places should be available in the aquarium. Recommended Minimum Aquarium Capacity: 10 gallon / 40 litre when small, 50 – 100 gallon / … The name Ancistrus is from Latin, and stands for “hook”, alluding to the pleco’s dermal teeth also known as odontodes, found on its cheeks. Let’s take a look at the list of supplies you’ll need to start a tank for your Blue Phantom Pleco! The quality of care you provide will impact the fish’s overall health for better or worse. A fish this size would need a tank well over 100 gallons. What Size Tank Do Plecostomus Need? Their size and tank requirement can make everything look complex. They’re hardy, straightforward to care for, and very fun to observe. Because of their territorial behavior, you can actually keep Common Plecos with other semi-aggressive fish. The size of a tank is a necessary factor to consider when you are keeping a large fish. CC-BY-SA-3.0 or CC BY 2.5 from Wikimedia Commons. He’ll then clean the cave and invite the female. Plecos can be hard on live plants, as they attempt to scrub them of algae. Cories are a type of bottom-dwelling catfish, like the pleco. And it’s true that they will consume algae every once in a while. This i… Author Note: Many Pleco owners prefer to over-filter the water. Hypostomus plecostomus is often called “common” pleco, but it isn’t. The minimum tank size for a single Starlight Bristlenose pleco is a 20-gallon tank, but 30 or 40-gallon Breeder tanks are preferred since they have the same bottom footprint. Or should I try to donate it to one of the very large tanks (170g) at the college? Males watch over the eggs until they hatch, which takes a few days. Common plecos get too big for a 60 gallon aquarium. Many people underestimate how big the common pleco can get. The Common Pleco belongs to the Loricariidae family, which is a large group of armored catfish species. As for tank size, the 4- to 6-inch plecos we mentioned previously can be housed in 20 to 29 gallons of water or more. Choose the correct tank size, keep it well fed, and make sure it is comfortable with plenty of hiding spots and you plecos could live for over a decade. If you want a pleco your choices are bristlenose, rubberlip, whiptail catfish, or gold nugget. For this reason, consider avoiding broad-leafed plants in your planted aquarium. Temp Range: 73°F to 82°F. These freshwater fish come from slow-moving tropical rivers. Common pleco: (Hypostomus Plecostomus) Main Caharacteristics When in nature, it can reach up to 40 centimeters in length , but being in captivity does not usually exceed 30 centimeters. The Common Pleco is the most popular type among this species. It’s very contagious and causes small white bumps to form all over the fish’s body. The average Sailfin Pleco size is between 13 to 19 inches in length when fully grown.These are very large fish! If you plan on starting small, these fish do well in tanks that can hold up to 30 gallons when they’re juveniles. They can be kept in smaller aquariums while they are juveniles, but should be moved to at least a 55 gallon aquarium as soon as possible. You should keep your common pleco in at least 75 gallons and up, and make sure that there’s enough room on the bottom of the tank. Common Plecos do fine with gravel, but sand is softer and less likely to cause injury. It will help you decide if this fish of the Loricariidae family is suitable for you or not. Get rid of your common pleco. Rubbernose and bristlenose plecos only reach an adult size of about six inches. Common plecos get too big for a 60 gallon aquarium. These days, it is super easy to find out everything you need to know about a fish with a few minutes of online research. As always, there’s no guarantee with any fish species when it comes to lifespan. As mentioned above, plecos can also demolish live plants as well. Pterygoplichthys gibbiceps) is a kind of freshwater ray-finned fishes of Loricariidae family. These fish adapt well to a wide range of environments. Many believe that Plecos are more sensitive to disease. All tropical fish require a heater. There are smaller plecos you may consider. Secondly, the territorial nature of this species makes it tough. Setup: These fish eat plants and love wood. Can live in various conditions of tropical forests. Moreover, the common pleco grows very large, very quick. The fish sold under the name Common Pleco in fish stores is normally no bigger than 5-10 cm (2-4 inches) but this doesn't mean that it will stay like that forever. Fortunately, all of these issues are very preventable. Nor are several others that often get called “common”. They are schooling fish, so you want to stock six or more. Their size ranges from 18-24", the minimum tank size for one is about 150 gallons. Most beginner fish keepers assume that the Common Pleco is all that … Pleco Catfish – Habitat, Care, Feeding, Tank Size, Breeding read more » Is a 46 gallon large enough for it? Unfortunately, a lot of aquarists purchase fish without first finding out how big they can get as adults. Just know what you are getting into and plan accordingly. Breeding Common Plecos in captivity is extremely difficult, and there are a couple of reasons for this. Like the common pleco for example, can grow up 2 feet long. When it comes to water changes and water parameters, Bristlenose Pleco need at least a 30-gallon tank because of their size, the amount of food they consume, and the waste they produce. Plecos eat algae, but they also need other things in their diet to thrive. Description: common Pleco(Hypostomus plecostomus )...coming up on 5 inches now! It is not meant to substitute for diagnosis, prognosis, treatment, prescription, or formal and individualized advice from a veterinary medical professional. They will constantly scavenge the tank for food to eat. They have several rows of armor plates! ): 25 gallons; Gold … However, the common pleco should probably start in a 75-gallon tank and eventually move up to 180 or even 500 gallons. It is classified within the genus Hypostomus and the family Loricariidae. When it comes to water changes and water parameters, Bristlenose Pleco need at least a 30-gallon tank because of their size, the amount of food they consume, and the waste they produce. They get along well with most fish of a similar size. It’s smart to test your water and keep an eye on your water parameters. For your plecos to thrive in the aquarium, 25 gallons of water is a bare minimum, which can go up, if … Country: United Kingdom. It's not all that common for them to get more than a 12 inches long but they have been recorded growing up to 24 inches in length. On their bellies, Common Plecos don’t have armor at all. Due to pet owners releasing these fish into the wild, they’re considered an invasive species in many regions. Tank Size. Ich is a common ailment that’s usually caused by stress. Learn more. Either one would work in a 60 gallon aquarium. As for filtration, go with the most powerful option you can find (our recommendation would be the Fluval FX4). Their size will depend on a variety of factors. However, as larger plecos tend to be in high demand for those with larger tanks, this is not usually a problem. The adult Pleco has tentacle-like branches over their head and bony plates covering their flatten body. Plecostomus tend to be secretive, so caves, hollow logs and other size-appropriate hiding places should be available in the aquarium. Common plecos need a tank of 75 gallons minimum and even larger is preferred. It will help you decide if this fish of the Loricariidae family is suitable for you or not. Tank size. They’re found in tanks…, The 15 Best Types Of Freshwater Aquarium Catfish, Clown Loach Care: Tank Size, Food, Lifespan, Tank Mates…, Indian Almond Leaves: Benefits For Your Aquarium, The 35 Best Low Light Aquarium Plants (Must-See), 35 Peaceful Community Fish For Your Tank (Updated List), Malaysian Trumpet Snail 101: Detailed Info & Care Tips. Alison has been interested in fish and aquariums for over five years. Either one would work in a 60 gallon aquarium. For example, the common pleco, Hypostomus plecostomus, can grow to over 12”. They are usually sold as small juveniles, only three or four inches in length. Like the plecostomus, they are also tough on live plants and may eat their leaves. Make sure you feed enough sinking pellets for everyone! Bristlenose plecos are part of the Ancistrus gensus, which currently holds over 76 different species of bristlenose plecos.. “Vampire Pleco” is the common name for the Leporacanthicus Galaxias species, however, they are also referred to as Galaxy Plecos and Tusken Plecos. It is highly difficult to spot the males from the females of the common pleco, and for a fish keeper who is a beginner, it is almost impossible to spawn them. This should be no trouble if you have a tank large enough to house an adult pleco. This behavior applies to even fish of the same species! Plecos are constantly eating, so it’s never a dull moment when they’re awake. I’m not going to try to dissuade you from keeping this wonderful fish. Natural History of the Blue Phantom Plecostomus. Two adult Common Plecos need around 300 gallons of space to stay healthy! To control the waste from my common pleco, I have a HOB filter rated at 400 gpm, a sponge filter rated for a 60 gallon tank, and … Size: 1–2 feet (30–60 cm) Common Name: Common Pleco, armoured sucker-mouth Pleco Minimum Tank Size: 100 gallons (378L) Diet: Feeds on algae and plant material, use algae wafers too. It’ll also grow algae, which is another important food for the Common Pleco. That said, keeping a Common Pleco healthy isn’t as easy as some people think. Anyways I have a pleco that started out in a 10 gallon then went to the 20 gallon he was 2 inches now he's about 5. Tank Size: 190 gallons. We have given all the information related to their diet, tank setup, and breeding. The primary reason for the difficulty in breeding them is because they grow up to an enormous length of about 15 inches, and they will need at least a 750-liter water tank. This is a strong fish that eats huge amounts of algae. Seeing this large aquatic creature move around the tank is rather mesmerizing. Once they reach an adult they need at least a 150 gallon tank. Plecos are scavengers and will take advantage of leftover food that lands on the substrate. Ive read that common pleco may reach 18 inches...keeping in mind the size of my tank, will my pleco grow to max size, or will his size be suppressed by the size of the fish tank? The dorsal fin is expansive and has several rigid fins. When it comes to coloration, Common Plecos are pretty simple. Plecos come in a wide ranges of patterns and color. They’re constantly eating, which can sour the water quality pretty quickly. HOB or canister filtration system. They’ll use their sucker mouths to cling onto glass, eat algae, and chow down on driftwood. Author Note: Tank size is where many beginning fishkeepers go wrong with the Common Pleco.Because these fish are usually sold as juveniles, some people think that they’ll do fine with a smaller tank. I bought a pleco fish from walmart about 1 year ago when he was only about 2" big. In my 40 gallon tank, he has grown to 4"! I'm currently dealing with real bad ich I've lost more than half my 20 gallon tank. Common Pleco (Hypostomus Plecostomus) Size: Can grow to 12 inches. These fish are bottom-dwellers, so that added protection from above is essential. These fish have been in the trade for decades and continue to captivate fish enthusiasts. Sexing [edit | edit source] Females are broader than males. It grows up to 24 inches long, as mentioned above. If a tank is rather large (of more than 70 gallons capacity) fish size can be up to 30-35 cm long. Next, add some natural caves and driftwood. There is absolutely no way that a common pleco can safely be kept with other fish in a 20 gallon tank. The Starlight Bristlenose pleco, also recognized as Ancistrus dolichopterus or L183, is an exotic-looking suckerfish that has a maximum size of 4.5 inches.