Plecostomus

Rhino Pleco (Pterygoplichthys scrophus): Ultimate Care Guide

Common Name(s) Chocolate pleco, Rhino pleco, Alligator pleco Scientific Name Pterygoplichthys scrophus Origin South America Temperature 72-82° Size 11 inches Minimum Tank Size 50 gallons Food & Diet Omnivores Lifespan 10 years Water pH 6.0-7.6 Tankmates Livebearers, plecos, rainbowfish, catfish, schooling fish Breeding Egg-laying Disease(s) Ich, Dropsy and Fin Rot, Fish Fungus, Pop-Eye and Hole …

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Pleco Breeding: How to Breed Plecostomus

Plecostomus / By Fish Laboratory

How to Breed Pleco Fish The Pleco fish, also called the Plecostomus, is an extremely popular freshwater aquarium fish renowned for its distinctive look. These fish can be found in a range of aquatic habitats, including rivers, streams, and swamps. They are native to South America, notably the Amazon River Basin and the Orinoco River …

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L397 Pleco (Alenquer Tiger Pleco): Ultimate Care Guide

Plecostomus / By Fish Laboratory

The L397 Alenquer Tiger Pleco is a striking species and one of the most colorful Pleco varieties available. With bright orange and black striping, the L397 Pleco is an eye-catching tank addition. Previously this fish was only available wild-caught. Recently, breeders have developed methods to coax this Pleco to breed in captivity; tank bred specimens …

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Queen Arabesque Pleco L260 (Hypancistrus sp.): Ultimate Guide

Plecostomus / By Fish Laboratory

Native to fast moving waters in Brazil, the Queen Arabesque Pleco displays a black and white squiggle pattern over their entire bodies. While it doesn’t have the same pattern as the Zebra Pleco, the Queen Arabesque Pleco can be a replacement for this hard to find Pleco variety. When young, the striping pattern is more …

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Green Dragon Pleco (Ancistrus sp.): Ultimate Care Guide

Plecostomus / By Fish Laboratory

Green Dragon Plecos feature dark olive to green-brown coloration. Mature males develop long “bristles” on their faces, similar to other Bristlenose Pleco varieties. Hardy and easy to breed, this Pleco is a great choice for beginners or hobbyists looking for un-fussy Plecos. Often sold under different names like Shortfin Green Dragon and Green Dragon Bristlenose, …

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Mango Pleco (Baryancistrus chrysolomus, L047): Ultimate Guide

Plecostomus / By Fish Laboratory

Native to the Xingu river in Brazil, the Mango Pleco (L047) is a vibrantly colored but somewhat rare Pleco that can be a good addition to community tanks. This is an eye-catching species with lime green bodies and yellow stripes along the edges of their fins. All known specimens available are wild caught which means …

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Flash Pleco Care Guide (Panaqolus albivermis L204)

Plecostomus / By Fish Laboratory

Flash Pleco, also known as the Emperor Pleco, is a popular and eye-catching Pleco variety. Dark coloration with white or yellow stripes along their bodies, this fish can add a splash of distinctive patterns to your aquarium. Because of their dark colors they are best kept in tanks with lighter substrates which provide more contrast. …

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Leopard Cactus Pleco Care Guide (Pseudacanthicus cf. leopardus L114)

Plecostomus / By Fish Laboratory

Common Name Leopard Cactus Pleco, Demini Leopard Cactus Pleco Scientific Name Pseudacanthicus cf. Leopardus (L114) Origin Rio Demini Water Parameters 5.5 pH to 6.5 pH Temperature 80F – 90F Adult Size up to 14 inches Diet Carnivorous Leopard Cactus Plecos are patterned fish that have black spots with an orangish-brown coloration to the rest of …

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Peppermint Pleco (Parancistrus nudiventris, L031): Ultimate Care Guide

Plecostomus / By Fish Laboratory

The Peppermint Pleco is a smaller type of pleco, making them a good choice for smaller aquariums. Their dark-to-black bodies are covered in bright white spots, giving your tank a burst of color and texture. Native to the Xingu river in Brazil, this species is an omnivore but mainly consumes algae. The best environment for …

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Blue Phantom Pleco (Hemiancistrus sp. L128): Ultimate Care Guide

Plecostomus / By Fish Laboratory

Similar to most plecos, the Blue Phantom Pleco is an armored fish that belongs to both the catfish family and the pleco family. One of the main things that set the Blue Phantom Pleco apart from other pleco types is its unique blue coloring with white dots throughout its body. Originating in Venezuela, the Blue …

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