Common Pleco

Pterygoplichthys pardalis

Also known as: Amazon Sailfin Pleco

Sold tiny as an 'algae eater', but reaches a foot and a half and needs a huge tank.

Water

Freshwater

Temperature

72–82°F

pH

6.5–7.8

Hardness

4–20 dGH

Max size

18 in

Min tank

125 gal

Temperament

Peaceful

Social

Solitary

Swim level

Bottom

Diet

Herbivore

Care level

Intermediate

Lifespan

10-15 years

Breeding

Burrow-spawner

Suitability

Kept but not recommended

Origin

Amazon basin

The 'common pleco' is one of the most over-sold mistakes in the hobby: it grows enormous, produces heavy waste, and outgrows nearly every tank it's bought for. A bristlenose pleco is almost always the better choice.