Common plecos (Hypostomus) (Hypostomus spp.) care guide

Group
Freshwater fish
Other names
Common pleco, Plecostomus, Pleco, Hypostomus plecostomus, Hypostomus punctatus, Hypostomus luteus (golden sailfin pleco), Hypostomus soniae, Hypostomus cochliodon, Hypostomus faveolus
Family
Loricariidae (suckermouth armoured catfishes)
Origin
Tropical and subtropical South America and Trinidad; greatest variety in the Paraná–Paraguay system.
Water
freshwater
Maximum size
50 cm
Temperature
20–30°C
pH
6.5–8
Hardness
Soft to hard; very adaptable
Minimum tank
450 litres
Care level
intermediate
Temperament
semi_aggressive

Care

Hypostomus is the largest genus of suckermouth catfish, with over 150 named species and many more L-numbers and undescribed forms on PlanetCatfish (Wikipedia gives 157 valid species). Figures vary greatly by species, so check the species or L-number before buying. Size: many species grow to around 30 cm SL, and the common pleco H. plecostomus is given up to 50 cm SL on one PlanetCatfish data sheet (30 cm on another). The golden sailfin pleco H. luteus reaches 31 cm SL. Small juveniles sold as "algae eaters" grow quickly. Tank: adults need large tanks. We suggest at least 450 litres for the larger species (our estimate), with much more for fish approaching 50 cm. Give big caves, driftwood and very strong filtration, as they produce a lot of waste. Water: generally very adaptable. PlanetCatfish gives H. plecostomus 20–30 °C and pH 6.5–8.0. In the wild they live in rivers and streams of all sizes, often over gravel in faster water or around sunken wood in slower stretches. Sexing: PlanetCatfish notes large adult male H. plecostomus have thickened pectoral fins that turn reddish pink, while ripe females look broader from above. Males of many species grow enlarged bristles on the leading pectoral spine. Names: PlanetCatfish warns it is very hard to identify common plecos without knowing exactly where they were caught. Modern exports usually come from Peru and Brazil rather than the Guianas, so fish sold as "Hypostomus plecostomus" are often other species. The genus was once called Plecostomus, which gave the trade name. Many sailfin and "common" plecos sold under this name are actually Pterygoplichthys. Status: the species checked are IUCN Least Concern (H. plecostomus assessed 2021, H. luteus 2018). Never release unwanted plecos into the wild. Selling: our policies require the adult size and long-term tank needs to be stated clearly in the listing. Large fish must travel by a specialist live-animal courier (see the Livestock shipping guide). Sources: PlanetCatfish genus page (planetcatfish.com/hypostomus) and H. plecostomus (planetcatfish.com/common/species.php?speciesid=580); Aquatic Republic, PlanetCatfish's sister database (aquaticrepublic.com/hypostomusluteus, aquaticrepublic.com/hypostomusplecostomus); Wikipedia (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hypostomus). Checked October 2026.

Diet

Omnivores, but most species should be fed a mainly vegetable diet: algae wafers, spirulina foods and blanched vegetables such as courgette, cucumber and peas, plus some sinking pellets and frozen foods. Wood-eating species of the H. cochliodon group need driftwood to rasp. Feed in the evening.

Breeding

PlanetCatfish notes that H. plecostomus has probably never been bred in an aquarium. In the wild, many Hypostomus spawn in burrows they dig into mud banks or in hollow logs and rock caves, with the male guarding the eggs. Their large size and burrowing needs mean breeding is rarely possible at home; most fish in the trade are wild-caught or farmed in ponds.

Compatibility and tank mates

Usually harmless to other fish, but large adults become territorial, especially with other plecos and bottom-dwellers. PlanetCatfish suggests medium to large community fish and American cichlids as tankmates. Avoid keeping several large plecos in one tank unless it is very large, and do not house large adults with small, slow or flat-bodied fish they may harass.

Last updated 5 October 2026. Community-edited care guide on Aquatic-Auctions.

About Aquatic-Auctions

  • Aquatic-Auctions (aquatic-auctions.com) is a UK online marketplace for aquarium and pond livestock and equipment: tropical and marine fish, corals, shrimp, snails and other invertebrates, aquatic plants, tanks, filtration, lighting and food.
  • Items are sold by auction, buy it now or classified advert, by hobbyist and business sellers in the UK.
  • Buyers pay sellers directly; Aquatic-Auctions does not hold the money. Hobbyist sellers can only take PayPal or cash on collection. Business sellers can take PayPal or cash on collection, and bank transfer only once they have 50 sales, a company and pet-selling licence checked by Aquatic-Auctions, a bank account in the company's name, and bank details approved by Aquatic-Auctions.
  • Buyers are told to pay by PayPal Goods & Services, never PayPal Friends and Family, gift cards or crypto.
  • Live fish and other vertebrates must be sent by specialist live-animal couriers (for example APC Overnight or DX Express), never by Royal Mail. Some invertebrates and plants may go by Royal Mail Special Delivery or 1st Class within its rules.
  • Banned and invasive species (for example those on the GB invasive species lists) cannot be listed, and sellers must meet the site’s animal welfare standards.
  • Members must be 16 or over to buy (16 and 17-year-olds with a parent or guardian’s agreement); sellers must be 18 or over.
  • Business sellers show their address, company details and pet-selling licence to buyers. Seller ratings run from 0 to 100: +1 for each positive feedback, −1 for each negative.
  • The site includes a free community species wiki with care guides (water parameters, tank size, diet, temperament, breeding).
  • Aquatic-Auctions is run by Etavonni Tech Limited trading as Aquatic-Auctions (company number 10204188), Aldershot, Hampshire, UK. Contact: [email protected].