One of the fish I know best because I have it, is the pool cleaner, specifically known as pleco or catfishIt is a fish that is used for clean the aquarium Although we actually see it move very little, it is not a diurnal fish but night and is responsible for eating only at night.
This fish, which it is usually peaceful, can reach up to 60 centimeters (Bornean Pleco can reach similar sizes) and moves very little during the day, in fact it stays in one place stuck to the glass or hidden among the vegetation to appear the next day in another place.
I comment that it is usually peaceful but the truth is that It depends a lot on the species with whom you live or with territoriality that it has. It is not a fish that attacks unless given a reason or if it feels scared. In fact, one of the biggest problems, at least for me, is when I have to change the aquarium water.
This fish usually have thorns all over your body to protect itself from danger (hence it is recommended not to touch with your hands) and when we want to remove it from the aquarium to temporarily put it in another, if the fish is large it can exert resistance to the point of attacking (I do not know if you have heard any You see a fish growl but this one does). You have to have a lot watch out for his head and his mighty mouth because it sucks the net and doesn't let go until it's sure there's no danger. You have to be patient with this fish in that sense.
Apart from this, it is a very beautiful fish When it spreads its fins (both upper and on the sides and tail), it is very striking and if you know how to take care of it, you will undoubtedly find that, every few months, will have grown more..
Morphology and adaptations
Morphology
The pleco presents flattened body ventrally and one suction cup mouth downward facing with thick lips and fine teeth, ideal for scraping algae and adhering to surfaces. It lacks scales and is protected by bone plates; the caudal fin is long and concave, useful for short accelerations. The pectoral fins with spines can be used in disputes, especially between males. In low oxygen conditions, some plecos are capable of take air at the surface.
Origin, distribution and habitat
Habitat
The pleco belongs to the Loricariidae (order Siluriformes). The genus Hypostomus, integrated into the subfamily hypostominae, is very diverse and with similar color patterns between species. Its natural distribution covers Central and South America (origin of tropical fish), with extensive records in basins such as the Paraná and Ribeira de Iguape. It inhabits benthic microhabitats: from rocky streams with current (where it grazes diatoms and cyanobacteria) to calmer stretches and floodplains, where it acts as detritivore/iliophagousIn some countries it has become invader for improper releases.
Feeding and management
Meals
It is a fish mainly night y plant-based omnivoreIn the aquarium you should not rely only on algae: offer it vegetable pills specific and blanched vegetables (zucchini, cucumber, spinach, cabbage leaves), removing any leftovers at dawn. natural trunk in the tank provides useful cellulose for digestion. A poorly fed pleco can scrape fish of large lateral surface (disks, scalars) or prey on neons (see another species cleans bottoms).
Recommended aquarium and parameters
The common pleco reaches a large size; in domestic use it is advisable to provide volumes from 300–400 L for juveniles and around 600 L for large specimens. Requires powerful filtration, oxygenation, water changes 20-30% weekly and sturdy decor that can't be moved. Substrate of coarse gravel and multiple hiding places (rocks, caves, logs). Not recommended add salt. Guide parameters: 22–28 ºC, pH 6.5–7.5 y GH 4–15.
Sociability and compatibility
Es peaceful with other species but territorial with conspecifics and other bottom fish. Avoid combining it with very small species if there is a large size difference or with other algae scrapers that generate competition for food. With active bottom-dwelling barbs or loaches, provide large aquariums with well-spaced refuges. At night, disturb to shy fish; offers hiding places enough.
Reproduction and dimorphism
In nature, the pleco performs spawning in caves or among rocks; male and female can guard the layingIn captivity, reproduction is difficult. The dimorphism is subtle: females often more robust, males with odontoids somewhat more pronounced on the cheeks/chest. longevity In an aquarium it can last for over a decade with good care.
Taxonomy and notes of the genus
Within Hypostomus, the taxonomy still presents challenges and there have been reviews; the ancient genre Cochliodon It is considered a synonym, including species such as C. plecostomoides, C. pospisili, C. pyrineusi y C. taphorni. Hypostomus guacari It is the type species of the genus. Hypostomus plecostomus It is famous in aquariophily for its cleaning qualities.
Featured Variety: Butterfly Plecostomus (Pterygoplichthys gibbiceps)
This species shows spot pattern light on dark brown background and a dorsal fin tall, sail-shaped. In captivity it can reach 40–50 cm, so it requires aquariums from 300–400 L for juveniles and more as they grow. Keep 22–28 ºC, pH 6.5–7.5, hardness 6–12 dGH, efficient filtration and weekly changes. Temperament peaceful, although it can be territorial with other bottom-dwelling fish.
With its plate armor, suction mouth and nocturnal habits, the pleco is an excellent ally against algae if given the space, diet and shelters Suitable. Understanding its biology, origin, and behavior is the key to keeping it healthy and enjoying a fish as resilient as it is fascinating.
