Common Pleco

Common Pleco for Sale: Buy Live Plecostomus Online

Find a Common Pleco for sale and buy the classic algae-eating Plecostomus online from Aquarium Live Fish Store. You get a healthy, active pleco in your choice of color and size, from small 2.5 inch juveniles to larger 8 inch fish, carefully packed and shipped to your door. The Common Pleco is hardy and easy to keep, but it grows big, so it is best for keepers with large aquariums or ponds. Explore more armored catfish in our plecos collection.

Common Pleco Varieties and Sizes

Pick the color and size that suit your tank. Smaller juveniles adapt quickly, while larger fish give instant presence in a big display.

• Size: Small (2.5″), Medium (3″), Large (6″), XL (8″+)
• Variety: Common, Albino, High-Fin Spotted

Quick Facts

• Scientific name: Hypostomus / Pterygoplichthys sp.
• Adult size: 12-20 inches
• Minimum tank: 70 gallons
• Temperament: Peaceful
• Care level: Easy
• Water parameters: 72-76°F, pH 6.5-7.5
• Diet: Herbivore: algae, algae wafers, vegetables and occasional meaty foods

Care and Tank Setup

Common Plecos can reach 12 to 20 inches, so plan for at least a 70 gallon aquarium for an adult and upgrade as it grows. They produce a lot of waste, so strong filtration and regular partial water changes are a must. Keep the water at 72 to 76°F with a pH of 6.5 to 7.5. Provide driftwood, caves and smooth rocks for shelter. Algae alone will not sustain a growing pleco, so feed sinking algae wafers, blanched vegetables like zucchini and cucumber, and occasional meaty foods. Plecos are most active at night, so feed after lights out if your other fish are fast eaters.

Tank Mates

This is a peaceful fish that gets along with most medium to large tank mates. It is a popular cleanup fish for big cichlid tanks with a Tiger Oscar, and it also does well with a school of Bala Sharks or silver dollars. Keep only one large pleco per tank unless you have a very large system, since adults can be territorial with each other. For a small aquarium, choose a Bristlenose Pleco or an Otocinclus Algae Eater instead, and for a showier large species, see the L-83 Sailfin Pleco.

Why Buy Your Common Pleco From Aquarium Live Fish Store

Our fish are healthy, acclimated stock, kept and fed in our own tanks before they are packed. Each order is bagged with oxygen, insulated and carefully shipped to your door, making it easy to shop online with confidence.

Browse more algae eaters and catfish, or shop all freshwater fish online.