Fishician®Diet
Herbivore/Omnivore – algae wafers, vegetables (zucchini, cucumber), driftwood, sinking pellets
Aquarium species profile
Plecostomus
Hypostomus plecostomus · South America (Amazon basin, coastal Brazil)
Minimum tank75 gal
Adult size12–24"
Care levelEasy
TemperamentPeaceful
Temperature72–86°F
pH range6.5–7.5
Compatible tank mates
Most fish; avoid housing with Discus or delicate fish it may disturb at night
Tank mates to avoid
Very small fish it may bother, other territorial Plecos
Care notes
Common Pleco grows very large; often surrendered to fish stores. Needs driftwood (aids digestion). Primarily nocturnal. Produces heavy waste.
Check the whole aquarium. Tank size alone does not establish compatibility. Confirm adult size, water overlap, social grouping, territory, diet, and the individual animals before stocking.