Plecostomus Care Guide, Facts & Species Profile

Plecostomus, pleco, or plec are some of the most versatile fish around, belongs to the Loricariidae family, which is by far the largest family of catfish in the world. There are well over 150 species in total. They have armor-like plates over their bodies and sucker-shaped mouths.

Scientists have created a naming system of “L” or “LDA” with numbers to identify plecostomus species, with 500 currently-recognized varieties. More are being added each year!

Plecos are well-known algae eaters who originated in the rivers of the Amazon jungle. These river dwellers use their suckermouths to attach themselves to rocks and wood, which helps them survive during fast-moving currents.

The Pleco is a fascinating creature! It’s not always easy to care for them, but the payoff can be huge. In this section, we’ll cover all you need to know about these elusive fish. You’ll learn about the most popular Pleco types, diet, tank size, tank mates, lifespan, and more!