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How long do plecos live in tank?
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Originating in Central and South America, there are countless kinds of Plecos/catfish. The most popular pet species are the Suckermouth Catfish (Hypostomus plecostomus) and Bristlenose Catfish (Ancistrus dolichopterus). With proper care, Plecos can live up to 20 years, and sometimes longer!
The average lifespan for plecostomus is 10 to 15 years.
How big can a plecostomus fish get?
Pleco catfish (Plecostomus) can grow up to 24 inches (60 cm) in size. However, it takes a long period of time for them to grow this big. For such fish, you need special conditions, especially if you keep them in an aquarium.
How often should you feed a pleco?
Feed your pleco fruit or vegetables once or twice per week.
Alternatively, you can use an aquarium clip to attach the food to the side of the tank near the bottom. Give your pleco a serving the size of a silver dollar, such as one slice of zucchini or a small piece of broccoli.
How long do plecos live in tank? – Related Questions
Do plecos keep tanks clean?
Keeping an aquarium looking clean and free of algae is most often an ongoing battle. You may even have searched for fish that clean the tank. In freshwater aquariums, “Plecos” (short for plecostomus and used to refer to fish of the family Loricariidae) are one of the most common fish purchased to aid in algae cleanup.
What is the best pleco food?
5 Best Pleco Foods Reviewed
Omega One Veggie Rounds. Omega One Veggie Rounds contain high-quality ingredients that make them an excellent choice for most plecos.
Northfin Kelp Wafers.
New Life Spectrum Algaemax Wafers.
Repashy Morning Wood.
Repashy Soilent Green.
How long can pleco fish go without food?
Overview chart for individual fasting tolerances of popular freshwater fish
Type of fish:
Period it can safely live with no food:
Plecos
10 to 14 days
Oscars
up to 2 weeks
Swordtail fish
maximum of 14 days
Corydora catfish
up to 2 weeks
Do plecos actually eat algae?
Plecos. Various South American suckermouth catfish are effective algae-eaters. The most popular are the various species sold as “plecos.” The namesake for the group, the common pleco (Hypostomus plecostomus), is an excellent algae-eater but is not the best choice for most hobbyists.
Do plecos only eat algae?
First and foremost, most plecos are not natural algae eaters. They’re instead omnivores, and they eat what is termed aufwuch. This is a mixture of algae growing on surfaces (periphyton), insect larvae, and other aquatic organisms.
A pH between 7.0 and 8.0, alkalinity between 3° and 10° dKH (54 ppm to 180 ppm) and temperature between 74° and 80° F will suffice for most captive bred species. If the aquarium is kept in a room below 74°, use an Aqueon Aquarium Heater to maintain the proper temperature.
What makes plecos happy?
Do plecos like sand or gravel?
The ideal substrate for plecos is fine gravel or soft sand because it will allow the pleco to filter through the substrate to find food. The tank should be densely planted, especially with broad-leafed species like Java Fern and Anubias, to ensure that the pleco can feed on algae growing on the surface of the leaves.
Do plecos like sunlight?
In general, their water parameters are fairly similar to other tropical fish. They prefer a heated aquarium around 74 to 80°F (23 to 27°C), and they can live a broad pH range of 6.5 to 7.8. Since most plecos are nocturnal, they greatly appreciate any hides or cover you provide to keep them out of the light.
Do plecos like warm or cold water?
Most plecos are tolerant of waters ranging from 65 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit (18-30°C), though they prefer temperatures between about 75 and 82°F (24-28°C). With that being said, there are some pleco species that are hardier than others, and may be able to withstand some cooler waters.
Can you feed plecos cucumber?
Can plecos live in tap water?
Most tap water has chlorine in it, which can be harmful to your pleco. You can also make your own using a dechlorinator or purchase it at a pet store.
Many other large suckermouth fish like Chinese Algae Eaters also have this habit. Fish like Discus, Gouramis, and Goldfish should not be kept with larger Plecostomus. Instead choose fast, schooling fish or tank mates that will nip back if provoked!
How do you feed a pleco?
Do plecos need lots of space?
Adult Common Plecos need a tank size of 75 to 80 gallons at the very minimum. However, to help your fish reach its full size and potential you’ll need at least 150 gallons! Larger is always better with the Common Pleco.
Can you put 2 plecos in the same tank?
“No” to Multiple Plecos Together
They often do wonderfully alongside other types of community freshwater fish. When plecos reach maturity, they simply cannot get along with fellow plecos. They can be highly territorial around each other. Therefore, it can be extremely dangerous ever to house them together.