Pterygoplichthys pardalis
| Common Names: | Common Pleco |
| Synonyms: | Acipenser plecostomus Hypostomus plecostomus Hypostomus punctatus Liposarcus multiradiatus Liposarcus pardalis Plecostomus plecostomus |
| Family: | Loricariidae |
| Category: | Catfish_Bottom_Feeders |
| Distribution: | America - South; South America. |
| Main Ecosystem: | Delta; Delta |
| Temperament: | Reclusive; Peaceful and nocturnal. Can be kept with small fish. |
| Diet: | Herbivore; Herbivore |
| Care: | Eats algae, algae wafers/flakes, vegetables such as lettuce, spinach, peas, potatoes, etc. Needs a large, well-planted aquarium. Provide large caves or other shelters for hiding in. |
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| Potential Size: | Male: 45cm (17.7") Female: 45cm (17.7") |
| Water Region: | Bottom; Bottom |
| Activity: | Nocturnal; Nocturnal |
| Gender: | Not possible to tell by external examination. |
| Breeding: | In the wild and in large fish farms it breeds in deep caves dug into the riverbanks. The male guards the young and the fry feed off of his skin secretions, similar to Discus. |
| Variants: | There are some commercially produced varieties of this fish, including albino and piebald plecos. |
| Comments: | The Common Pleco is often purchased for its algae eating capabilities, though it is not as effective in this respect as some other plecos. Overall, a good community fish if it is given enough room to grow and thrive in. |
| Main Colours: | Brown, Black |
| Markings: | Mottled |
| Mouth: | Sucking Disc |
| Tail: | Flat |
| Search: | Show similar species Find compatible species |
| Image Credit: | Rob1619 |
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| Contributors: | Natalie |
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