Plecostomus (Pleco)
The "algae eater" myth that kills — the Common Pleco reaches 60 cm (2 FEET) and needs a 570-liter tank. That sucker-mouth on the glass, that armored body cruising the bottom. Complete guide: why the Common Pleco is the MOST inappropriately sold fish in the hobby, and which Plecos actually fit in normal aquariums.
📋 Species Overview
⚠️ The ALGAE EATER MYTH — Plecos Need REAL Food
The Common Pleco is sold as an "algae eater" — implying it can survive on tank algae alone. THIS IS FALSE. A 30 cm Pleco produces massive waste and needs significant food daily: algae wafers, blanched vegetables (zucchini, cucumber, spinach), wood to rasp on, and occasional protein (bloodworms, shrimp pellets). A Pleco "living on algae" in a 40L tank is starving to death — slowly, invisibly, while poisoning its tankmates with waste.
🪵 Driftwood Is MANDATORY
Plecos are xylophagous — they need wood in their diet for proper digestion. Without driftwood to rasp on, they develop digestive issues. This is not optional decoration — it's a dietary requirement. All Plecos, especially Panaque species (Royal, Clown), MUST have driftwood.