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Plecos and other suckermouth catfish (family Loricariidae) are bottom dwellers with a mouth adapted to rasp surfaces. They are often sold as algae eaters, but the reality varies a lot from species to species.
- Bristlenose pleco: the best choice for most tanks. It stays around 5 inches (12-13 cm), eats algae and vegetables and fits a 30 gallon (120 L) tank.
- Common pleco and royal pleco: grow to 12-18 inches (30-45 cm) and produce huge amounts of waste. They need very large tanks; do not buy one for a standard community tank.
- Zebra and clown plecos: small but specialized. The zebra eats mainly protein, and the clown pleco needs driftwood to graze.
- Otocinclus: tiny, peaceful grazers that should be kept in groups and added only to mature tanks with plenty of biofilm.
Almost all of them need driftwood for fiber and shelter, caves to hide in during the day, good oxygenation and supplemental food: sinking algae wafers, blanched zucchini or cucumber, and occasional protein depending on the species.
Feed after lights out, since most are nocturnal, and check that they are eating; a hollow belly is a warning sign, especially in newly bought otocinclus.
Plecos and suckermouth catfish
| Species | Min. liters | Size | Temp. | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 Bristlenose pleco Ancistrus sp. | 26 gal (100 L) | 5.1 in (13 cm) | 72–81 °F (22–27 °C) | Easy |
 Otocinclus catfish Otocinclus vestitus | 16 gal (60 L) | 1.6 in (4 cm) | 70–79 °F (21–26 °C) | Moderate |
 Clown pleco (L104) Panaqolus maccus | 21 gal (80 L) | 3.5 in (9 cm) | 75–82 °F (24–28 °C) | Easy |
 Common pleco Pterygoplichthys pardalis | 132 gal (500 L) | 15.7 in (40 cm) | 72–82 °F (22–28 °C) | Moderate |
 Royal pleco Panaque nigrolineatus | 106 gal (400 L) | 13.8 in (35 cm) | 72–82 °F (22–28 °C) | Moderate |
 Twig catfish Farlowella vittata | 26 gal (100 L) | 5.9 in (15 cm) | 75–81 °F (24–27 °C) | Moderate |
 Zebra pleco (L046) Hypancistrus zebra | 26 gal (100 L) | 3.1 in (8 cm) | 79–88 °F (26–31 °C) | Difficult |
No species match those filters.