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Plecostomus
Plecostomus refers to a freshwater fish that feeds on algae. They are also known as “sucker fish”. Their power to clean fish tanks by wiping out and eating algae makes them super famous.
90 Questions
How long does a sucker fish grow in 1 year?
Sucker fish, also known as freshwater algae eaters or plecos, can grow at varying rates depending on the species and environmental conditions. On average, they can grow anywhere from 3 to 6 inches in their first year. Some species may grow even more, particularly in optimal conditions with ample food and space. Regular monitoring and appropriate tank conditions will influence their growth rate significantly.
Sailors catch fish primarily for sustenance and economic gain. Fishing provides a vital source of food, both for themselves and for communities that rely on seafood. Additionally, commercial fishing can be a lucrative industry, supporting economies and livelihoods around the world. Lastly, recreational fishing offers a way for sailors to enjoy leisure time and engage with nature.
How do you move a sucker fish from tank to tank?
To move a sucker fish from one tank to another, you should first prepare the destination tank with appropriate water parameters matching the original tank. Next, catch the sucker fish using a soft mesh net to avoid injuring its delicate skin and fins. Transfer the fish gently into a clean container filled with water from the original tank, then carefully acclimate it to the new tank's water by slowly adding small amounts of the new water over a period of time to prevent shock. Finally, release the fish into the new tank once acclimated.
How much does a 12 inch pleco cost?
The cost of a 12-inch pleco can vary depending on the specific type, quality, and where you purchase it from. On average, a 12-inch pleco can range from $20 to $50, but some rare or high-quality specimens can cost significantly more. It is important to consider factors such as the reputation of the seller, the health and condition of the fish, and any additional costs such as shipping or handling fees when determining the final price.
What do you do if there is not enough algae in your fish tank for your algae eater to eat?
This is a good problem to have. Most algae eaters enjoy munching on green algae. It forms a green powder like look on the glass or plants of an aquarium in high quantities. If your aquarium does not have any signs of algae you have some options:
Feed them Algae Wafers
This is found at a local fish store. They can be added to the water without fear of algae spreading. Some fish enjoy eating them and some seem to not like them.
Feed them Zucchini, not Cucumbers
If your fish don't eat algae wafers they might not be hungry due to feeding on something you don't see them eat. If you believe them to be picky you can entice them to eat and grow faster by blanching Zucchini and cut it into small sizes then add it to the tank. Rubber band it to something that sinks or poke it through with a BBQ skewer and stick it in the substrate. Don't leave it in the tank for more than 24 hours. Fish will not eat the skin.
Feeding Schedule
Algae eaters can survive on as little as 2 - 3 times a week feeding schedule. I feed my algae eaters once a week because there is plenty of micro algae that is unseen for them to much on. It depends on the species.
Blue Green Algae
Fish do not eat blue green algae. Almost nothing does. It looks like a blue green slime coating on rocks and plants and is a sign of bad water quality. It is actually a bacteria that uses encapsulated photosynthesizing algae to endure in harsh environments. Caused mainly by too much phosphates and not enough nitrates. Lighting may be a factor as well.
See the related links below for some helpful websites with pictures of plecos.
Do plecos eat fish food off the ground?
Yes they do, in addition to algae and fish food that had fallen to the bottom, they also like raw zucchini, both the meaty part and the skin, and will munch on other veggies that you feed your fish.
Plecostomus in outdoor pond cool temperature?
If you are asking if they can live in a cold outdoor pond than the answer is no. They come from a tropical climate in South America and are not meant for water below about 72' Fahrenheit (22.22' Celsius).
Can a plecostomus live in an outdoor pond in Bethlehem Pennsylvania?
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.
What is the scientific name of the fish plecostomus?
A Plecostomus is a Tropical Fish from South America. They are often called "Sucker Fish" because they are seen sucking on the glass. They feed mainly on algae and/or algae wafers when they are kept as pets.
How big to plecostomus algae eaters get?
It depends not only on the type of algae eater, but also the size of the tank. If you're talking about plecostamus, they can grow to 6 feet long in the wild, and in a tank will usually die once they hit two feet long. (sad, really) All life has a genetic imperative to reach it's full size. If you put an animal (fish or whatever) in a container too small for it, it will become so stressed, eventually, that it will die. That is why people think goldfish live for only 2 or 3 years, when in actuality their life span is closer to 25 years. If you get a pleco, try to get a dwarf (7 inches long fully grown). If you are looking for an algae eater, try an otocinclus, a coryadora, or a mystery/apple snail. They do a more thorough job and are less of a hassle to clean up after. Good luck!
Can plecostomus live in cold water?
No, they are tropical fish but can live in cold water aquariums if you keep the water around 74 degrees. The Plecostomus will die in water below 60' but don't push them, They are meant for tropical aquariums.
What does a sucker fish look like?
ANSWER
If I listened to all the info about these fish and did as they said my poor fish would have starved. I have three in one of my tanks that are just over 14cm in length, two in another that are 10cm approx and one in another 6cm and the newist one is just 3cm in length.
I have found that while in theory they are perhaps able to last with no supplements added to the tank they do actually require additional algae flakes to supplement the diet as in a new tank there is not enough algae to sustain them and as they get bigger they also eat far more and at times will latch onto other fish if they are hungry which will kill the fish.
I only give one flake a day to a tank with 2 new young loaches in it and with the one with three big ones they get a complete flake broke up each feeding time. the best food that i have found that my loaches prefer is the tablets for plecs that pet stores sell. mine love them and i have found the big ones will happily eat one each per day while the small ones will eat half a day.
don't forget these fish can potentially get quite big
Sucker fish are the easiest to feed since you don't have to feed them anything. Actually sucker fish will eat any algae that is growing on the walls or structures of your tank. They will even eat algae off the plants. You can however buy algae wafers from your pet store and they will eat that too.
well, plecos are like any other catfish and are peaceful with all friendly fish.they breathe with small gills.if u buy one u should also buy caves or rocks(real or fake dun matter)cuz its their habitat.
What kind of fish can stay in the same tank?
Well it depends on the fish kind. If you happen to find a fish in the water such as... Pond,lake,river, ocean you may want to keep them in difrent tanks... Because i got one of though and they ate eachother... But otherwise yes you can put them in the same tank
Do plecostomus fish like light?
No, but they can smell in the dark! Plecos have an excellent sense of smell and touch. They are predominantly found in the Amazon, of which some parts are dark and gloomy even when it's a bright sunny day above the water!
Mine is about 19 years old and still kicking good. They outlived all other fish by leaps and bounds. Truly a great pet. Not necessarily from proper caring. Mine is built like a tank. Tolerates all kinds of water conditions, with air bubbler or not they are ok, although i see that they are happier with air bubbler. Tolerates many neglects and abuse. Even still alive with water temperature under 60f. Not happy though. Great first time fish. You just almost can't kill them!
Can two different types of plecostomus breed?
have a regular plec about 7 inches long and was given a female albino.....albino dissapeared for about 2 weeks,thought she had been eaten as i have 4 angels.3 weeks later albino started to appear on a regular basis and approx 4 weeks after getting it i have a baby plec which has somehow survived the angels...did put it in a breeder but it escaped so i have decided to let it take itschances under the rock it hides under....dont know if there are any more or more to come but guess thje answer to your question is yes
What does the Plecostomus eat?
Depends what species of "pleco" you actually have. I have seen Hillstream Loaches being sold as "Butterfly Plecos" but they're not even catfish! They're sub-tropical algae-eating River Loaches that need a spacious tank with excellent water quality and a strong current.
What do sucker fish eggs look like?
Hundreds of eggs. It is not likely that you will have them though. It is a difficult job to breed most species of sucking catfish.
Which plecostamus can go with goldfish?
No. They require totally different conditions. Goldfish are cold water fish and should not be kept in water above 70F. Plecostomus sp come from the tropics and should be kept in water above 75F. If you keep them together one or the other will be in conditions that do not suit it so it will probably sicken and die.
How do you know if a pleco is a boy or a girl?
See the related link below for information on how to know.
What is the difference between a sailfin plec and a common plec?
The fins are larger on the sailfin...but almost all the "common plecos" (Hypostomus plecostomus) on the market are actually sailfin plecos (Glyptoperichthys gibbiceps).
