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Pterygoplichthys pardalis
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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.
pH:
6 - 8
Temperature:
22°C - 28°C
72°F - 82°F
Hardness:
1 dH - 25 dH
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
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Image Credit: Rob1619
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Contributors: Natalie
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