Other Names:
Plec, Pleco, Plecostomus, L021, L023
Scientific Name:
Liposarcus pardalis (Castlenau, 1855)
Range:
South America: widespread through the entire Amazon River basin, Brazil.
Maximum size:
40-50cm. (16-20").
Aquarium:
This large catfish-species prefers a dimly lit tank with a good number of hiding places, either created with plants, drift wood, rocks or artificial (pleco spawning) caves. To keep more than one specimen in the same tank, or together with other bottom dwelling fish, you need at least a 80x24" (200x60cm.) tank: this fish can be quite territorial, and when suitable hiding places are lacking, it can be aggressive towards other bottom dwellers. When kept as only catfish in an aquarium, a tank size of 60x20" (150x50cm.) is sufficient.
The Common Pleco does best in soft, slightly acidic to neutral water (pH 6.0-7.0), heavy oxygenation and a lot of underwater currents, but is known to be extremely hardy and adaptable. A powerful filter system is recommended, as this fish produces a lot of waste.
Temperature:
pH:
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Diet:
Lettuce, Peas, Frozen Spinach and any prepared food that reaches the bottom. Larger fish enjoy prawns or pieces of freshwater trout. Algae (especially soft brown) will be eaten immediately.
Temperament:
This impressive, reasonably large catfish can be a bit rowdy and territorial from time to time, especially larger specimen and against similar shaped and colored fish. In general however this species is peaceful instead, hiding throughout the day to become active and starts searching for food at dusk.
But some specimen can have or develop a rather nasty disposition, attacking and sucking on the slime coat off of other fish (Discus Fish in particular), or fighting over territory or food with other bottom dwelling fish. Also, due to is large size, uprooting or destroying live plants and messing up the tank's decoration is something a pleco owner has to learn to live with.
*blink*
