Hypostomus plecostomus (Pleco, washer, sucking)

Loricaridé recognizable by its developed dorsal fin and its imposing size. Lying body, tired and striated gray in color. Word with thick lips in suction cup to stick to the walls to eat. Thorny dorsal (painful bite)

Unfortunately, it is part of the best -selling fish as "seaweed eater" but, measuring up to 70cm, this species is not suitable for a classic particular aquarium, only aquariums from 1000l being susceptible to suit. In smaller aquariums the fish will have abnormal growth and will remain dwarf which is assimilated to mistreatment because it is successful to have consequences on his health and well-being. Prefer another fish of more suitable size such as ancistrus or otocinclus, for example.

The hypostomus plecostomus is a freshwater fish commonly known as the Vase Fish, Nettoyeur or Scie Fish. He is from South America and belongs to the Loricariidae family.

The hypostomus plecostomus is a medium -sized fish, generally reaching a length of 20 to 30 cm, although it can sometimes reach up to 40 cm. Its shape is elongated and compressed laterally, with a massive head and a mouth equipped with rake -shaped teeth which allow it to feed by scraping the hard surfaces.

The hypostomus plecostomus has a variable coloring depending on the individuals and the original regions, ranging from dark green to dark gray, passing by brown, beige and white. Some individuals can also have black or brown spots on their bodies.

The hypostomus plecostomus is a gregarious fish and can live in a group in its natural habitat. It prefers calm waters and can be found in rivers, lakes and ponds in South America. It feeds mainly on plant debris, algae and bacteria, which it finds by scratching the bottom and surfaces of rocks and aquatic plants.

In aquarium, the hypostomus plecostomus is a popular fish due to its ability to clean surfaces and maintain clean water. It is important to provide him with a large enough aquarium so that he can move freely, as well as hard surfaces on which scraping and feeding. The hypostomus plecostomus is also known to be a peaceful fish and can live in harmony with other aquarium species.

Unknown and non -apparent sexual differences.

No information on its reproduction which is very rare in aquarium, probably because of its abnormal growth which it undergoes in a generally too narrow bac.