Species group: Catfish
Other common names: Amazon Sailfin Pleco, Common Plecostomus, Janitor Fish, Sucker Fish
Scientific name: Pterygoplichthys pardalis
The Common Pleco is a member of the armored catfish family. It is a bottom dweller that is found in slow moving rivers and flooded areas in the Amazon River basin. Common Plecos are very popular freshwater aquarium fish due to their appearance and ability to eat algae.
The Common Pleco has 11-13 dorsal rays (back fin spines).
They can be kept in a community tank with medium to large fish, including Cichlids. Pterygoplichthys pardalis grow to a large size however (to 50 cm / 24 inches), and need to be housed in a very large tank of at least 120 gallons.
outdoor pond, tank leftover food
smaller tanks, terrible algae eater, length, biggest fish, larger tank