Can a plecostomus live in an outdoor pond in Bethlehem Pennsylvania?

Answer 1

In South America, where they come from, they all live outside. They would only be able to live outside where the temperature range is always warmer. I currently have one in my pond which he loves. Since he is a tropical fish I will have to bring him back inside when the weather turns cooler and the water temperature become colder.

Answer 2

A Plecostomus will not do well in water temps under 70 degrees and will die in water temps below 60 degrees.

I would recommend 3 options:

1) don't get a Plecostomus

2) get one and also get heaters to keep the water temp above 60 in the winter.

3) get one, and plan on only having it in your pond when water temps are above 60 degrees (late spring, summer, very early fall).

Answer 3

Unless you are heating the pond or it has a natural hotspring than they can not live outdoors except where it doesn't get below 72'Farhenheight year round. Everywhere in the US gets below 72'F at some point of the year so they generally should not live outdoors.

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If you live in Texas or Florida, you can do it...the plecos purchased in US fish stores are pond-bred in Florida, and the pleco has established itself in Florida waterways.