Hypostomus plecostomus

Hypostomus plecostomus

Hypostomus plecostomus (Hypostomus plecostomus) — Easy care, Peaceful, under Catfish & Cory. Minimum tank in the app: 132 US gal min; aim for 68–82°F and pH 6–7.5. Details below match the app.

Hypostomus plecostomus (Hypostomus plecostomus) in a planted freshwater aquarium
Care levelEasy
TemperamentPeaceful
Min tank size132 US gal min
pH range6–7.5
Temperature68–82°F
Max size19.7 in (50.0 cm)
Captive lifespan12–20 years
SchoolingNo

Captive lifespan reflects typical experience in a home aquarium, not maximum recorded age; genetics, sourcing, and care vary.

Natural distribution

South America

  • South America

Regional colours match the stocking calculator’s origin map.

Hypostomus plecostomus Tank Setup

Plan for at least 132 US gal min of water—that is the minimum in our database for a workable setup, not a challenge to crowd fish. Aim to hold 68–82°F and pH 6–7.5 without daily drama. These fish use the Bottom zone most, so put wood, plants, or open water there accordingly.

What Do Hypostomus plecostomus Eat?

We record diet as Herbivore/Detritivore. Offer a few food types that match—dry, frozen, or gel—and swap now and then. One flake every day for a year is how dull color and gut trouble creep in.

Hypostomus plecostomus Tank Mates

Temperament in the data: Peaceful. Common Pleco (true species). Grows very large; often surrendered to shops. Produces enormous bioload. Plug your full stock list into the stocking calculator—single-species compatibility scores are hints, not a whole-tank verdict.

Are Hypostomus plecostomus Good for Beginners?

Often a sensible first fish once the tank is cycled and you are willing to test water sometimes. Skip the impulse buy on the same day you set up the tank.

Building a community? Run the full list through the stocking calculator before you add anything else.

Log tests and reminders in App-aquatic—free, same data you see here.