SUCKERMOUTH CATFISH : Care Guide
The suckermouth catfish is what most people think of when they describe an "algae eater". But, there are over 680 types of sucker fish around the world. Only a few of these kinds are available in the aquarium trade.
The Fish Room
I'm going to focus on the Hypostomus plecostomus. This is one of the most common suckermouth catfish in the aquarium industry.
Suckermouths make good additions to freshwater tanks, but they're not easy to take care of. Most people get them hoping they'll clean the algae, but often, they create more of a mess than they clean up.
What Is The Suckermouth Catfish?
When most people say they're looking for an 'algae eater', they're looking for a plecostomus, or 'pleco'.
They Have Specialized Mouthparts
These fish hang onto the sides of glass tanks and decorations with their mouths. Their mouth forms a sort of suction on the object, attaching the fish in place. This is where they get the name "suckermouth".
These specialized mouthparts are raspy. They're designed to grind up plant material like algae.
CABI describes them as having "bodies that are depressed and covered in flexible bony plates. They have a ventral mouth with modified lips (known as a 'suckermouth') with papillae (small projections) on the lips, and in some taxa, barbels. The modified mouth allows the fish to feed, breathe, and attach to the substrate through suction."
They Have Bony Plates, Not Scales
Rather than scales, they have hard, bony plates covering their bodies. These rigid scales make the fish appear spiky, and they offer extra protection.
Plecos have large fins that span out to the sides of their bodies. They have a large, rigid dorsal fin made of spines that offer protection. These spines are also found on the tail, pectoral, and pelvic fins.
Their eyes sit at the top of their head and are tiny compared to the rest of their body.
Coloration
Suckermouth catfish are dark brown, almost black. Many have dark, or light spots and stripes down their bodies. These markings create a net-like pattern.
They Become Massive
The Hypostomus plecostomus is most often sold as a baby when it's only about 3 in (7.6 cm) long. Many people don't realize that they can grow up to 2 ft (0.6 m) in length. Still, the average full-size length is about 15 in (38.1 cm).
They Live A Long Time
In the right conditions, a common pleco's average lifespan is between 10-15 years. So, not only do they grow large, but they are a longtime commitment, too.Common Names: Suckermouth catfish, pleco, algae eater, common plecoScientific Name: Hypostomus plecostomusOrigin: South America - Brazil, Trinidad, Tobago, & the GuianasSuckermouth Catfish Size (Length): 3 in - 2 ft (7.6 cm - 0.6 m)Aquarium Size: 125+Temperament: PeacefulEase of Care: Moderate
The Fish Room
I'm going to focus on the Hypostomus plecostomus. This is one of the most common suckermouth catfish in the aquarium industry.
Suckermouths make good additions to freshwater tanks, but they're not easy to take care of. Most people get them hoping they'll clean the algae, but often, they create more of a mess than they clean up.
What Is The Suckermouth Catfish?
When most people say they're looking for an 'algae eater', they're looking for a plecostomus, or 'pleco'.
They Have Specialized Mouthparts
These fish hang onto the sides of glass tanks and decorations with their mouths. Their mouth forms a sort of suction on the object, attaching the fish in place. This is where they get the name "suckermouth".
These specialized mouthparts are raspy. They're designed to grind up plant material like algae.
CABI describes them as having "bodies that are depressed and covered in flexible bony plates. They have a ventral mouth with modified lips (known as a 'suckermouth') with papillae (small projections) on the lips, and in some taxa, barbels. The modified mouth allows the fish to feed, breathe, and attach to the substrate through suction."
They Have Bony Plates, Not Scales
Rather than scales, they have hard, bony plates covering their bodies. These rigid scales make the fish appear spiky, and they offer extra protection.
Plecos have large fins that span out to the sides of their bodies. They have a large, rigid dorsal fin made of spines that offer protection. These spines are also found on the tail, pectoral, and pelvic fins.
Their eyes sit at the top of their head and are tiny compared to the rest of their body.
Coloration
Suckermouth catfish are dark brown, almost black. Many have dark, or light spots and stripes down their bodies. These markings create a net-like pattern.
They Become Massive
The Hypostomus plecostomus is most often sold as a baby when it's only about 3 in (7.6 cm) long. Many people don't realize that they can grow up to 2 ft (0.6 m) in length. Still, the average full-size length is about 15 in (38.1 cm).
They Live A Long Time
In the right conditions, a common pleco's average lifespan is between 10-15 years. So, not only do they grow large, but they are a longtime commitment, too.Common Names: Suckermouth catfish, pleco, algae eater, common plecoScientific Name: Hypostomus plecostomusOrigin: South America - Brazil, Trinidad, Tobago, & the GuianasSuckermouth Catfish Size (Length): 3 in - 2 ft (7.6 cm - 0.6 m)Aquarium Size: 125+Temperament: PeacefulEase of Care: Moderate
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