Common pleco

Sold as a small algae eater, it reaches a foot and a half and produces a huge amount of waste. Most tanks want a bristlenose instead.

Common pleco, side view

Care at a glance

Minimum tank125 gallons (473 L)
Temperature72–82°F (22–28°C)
pH6.5–7.5
How manyFine on its own
Adult size18 in (45.7 cm)
Where it livesThe bottom
TypeFish

Good tank mates

Possible with care

Do not mix with

Open any pairing to see the reason.

Tank sizes that fit