Freshwater Plecostomus Care Guide

AVERAGE ADULT SIZE

2-24 inches depending on species

WATER TEMPERATURE REQUIREMENTS 

72-84 º F depending on species

TANK REQUIREMENTS 

10+ gallons depending on species

SWIM LEVEL

Bottom level

NORMAL BEHAVIOR & INTERACTION

Plecostomus are generally docile in nature with some species being very shy. They can be housed with almost any other fish but avoid placing small plecos with aggressive species as they will get picked on. Usually, these fishes are nocturnal in nature and spend most of their day hiding in a dark safe spot. At night they forage their aquarium floor for foods.

FEEDING

While some Plecostomus do graze on algae in the aquarium, this is not enough to complete their diet. Offer your pleco algae wafers, commercial bottom feeder diets, driftwood or fresh vegetables daily depending on species. Most aquariums should be offered food twice a day in a quantity that can be completely consumed by its inhabitants within 1-2 minutes. Stock level and types of species may require adjustments to these feeding recommendations. 

SUPPLEMENTS

While supplements are not usually needed for Freshwater Plecostomus if they are fed a varied diet, a lot of research has been done to suggest giving Vitamin C to a fish helps in disease prevention and healing. 

ENVIRONMENT

Plecostomus will adapt to many types of aquarium set ups. Be sure to provide adequate spaces for your pleco to hide and feel secure. Driftwood acts as a hiding spot and as part of the plecos diet for many species, so should be offered to them.

ACCLIMATING & QUARANTINING NEW FISH

We recommend water acclamation and 24 hours of quarantine (if possible) for your new Freshwater Fish. To achieve this float the bag containing the new fish in your aquarium for 10 to 15 minutes to equalize temperatures. At this point you can add small amounts of your tank water to the fish bag every 15 minutes or so 3-4 times. At this point, catch your new fish out of the bag and release it into your quarantine aquarium.

RECOMMENDED SUPPLIES

• Algae wafers, sinking shrimp pellets or bottom feeder pellets 
• Driftwood depending on species 
• Aquarium décor to provide hide spots

Vet Approved

Our Care Guides are designed to assist in general knowledge and requirements for the care of your new family member. We strongly encourage further research and consultation with your veterinarian on the complete and proper care of any new pet.

For more information visit petsuppliesplus.com, cdc.gov/healthypets or contact your veterinarian.

Always wash your hands before and after handling your pet or cleaning its habitat, and remember that any pet can scratch, bite or transmit disease to humans.

For pregnant women, persons with compromised immune systems, or if you have children under the age of 5, we strongly recommend contacting your physician prior to purchasing or caring for a new pet.

Please see the Centers for Disease Control website at www.cdc.gov/healthypets for more information.