Many peoples make teh mistake of purchasing an pleco fish without researching the specific requirement of the pleco fish. The plecos is a type of catfish and contain many different species of plecos within the Loricariidae family. Because there are so many different species within this family, the plecos can grow to becoming very large in size.
For example, a person may purchase a two-inch pleco fish, but the pleco may grow to reach twenty-four inches over a two-year period. Therefore, a person should match the size of the pleco to the size of the aquarium in which the pleco is to be kept. A person with a nano tank have to purchase a dwarf pleco species, while individuals with large tanks can purchase the larger species of plecos.
How to Care for a Pleco Fish
If the size of the pleco doesnt match the size of the tank, the pleco may become stunted in growth or become stressedly. Another factor to consider when adding a pleco to an aquarium is the compatibility of the pleco with the other fish living in the aquarium. Plecos are general peaceful fish; however, there behavior can change based off the other fish that are kept in the same tank with the pleco.
For instance, plecos are compatible with South American cichlids. Both of these fish require similar water parameters within there tanks. However, plecos are not compatible with African cichlids.
These fish prefer different water parameters then plecos. For instance, other fish such as tetras and rainbowfish tend to stay in the upper and middle areas of the tank, leaving the plecos alone in the bottom areas of the tank. However, avoid bettas and shrimp with plecos as the bettas may attack the plecos and the large plecos may eat the shrimp in the tank.
Another factor to consider when caring for plecos is the feeding requirement for each species of pleco. Many aquarists believe that plecos eat only algae. However, this isnt true.
Some species of plecos are grazers and will eat at the algae that grow on the tank. However, other species of plecos are wood raspers and will require driftwood to aid the pleco in the digestion of its food. Additionally, some species, like the zebra pleco, are carnivores and will require protein-base foods to fulfill the eating requirement of the species.
If you offer the incorrect type of food to the pleco, it will become hungrier and potentially search for food outside the tank in ways that are not ideal for the fish and the aquarium. If keeping multiple plecos in the aquarium, then there must be enough hiding spot for each pleco fish. Because plecos are territorial fish, they may fight with each other if there are not enough hiding spots within the aquarium.
Therefore, provide more cave than the number of plecos live in the aquarium. Additionally, create visual barrier in the aquarium so that the plecos have their own area to establish their own territories without fighting one another. Finally, ensure that the aquarium provide the proper environment for the pleco fish.
Plecos require high amount of oxygen in their tanks and the water in their tanks should have strong water flow. This simulates the environment in which the plecos live in their native home country. Using a tank with stagnant water is dangerous for most species of plecos.
You must research the water parameters for the specific species of pleco prior to purchasing the pleco fish. By providing the proper type of food, the proper number of hiding spots, and ensuring the proper water conditions, a person can successfully keep the pleco in their aquarium.
