Species profile
Common Pleco
Pterygoplichthys pardalis
Peaceful
Hard care
700 L minimum aquarium
35–50 cm adult size
Bottom
Can be kept singly
About this species
General notes for hobby use.
Huge sailfin loricariid routinely sold as a small 'algae eater'. It rapidly outgrows ordinary community aquaria and produces a very large waste load.
Water parameters
Suggested general range for long-term care.
Temperature
23–28 °C
pH
7–7.5
GH
10–20 dGH
KH
Not yet documented
Flow preference
Moderate
Data confidence
Verified
Behaviour
General behaviour traits used by TanksConnected compatibility checks.
Minimum group size
Can be kept singly
Tank zone
Bottom
Territory level
Moderate
Predation risk
None
Bioload factor
5
Generally non-predatory but can become territorial around resting/feeding sites and may bulldoze decor. Adult size and waste production are the principal compatibility constraints.
Compatibility flags
Quick cautions for common tank-planning issues.
Fin nipper
No
Plant safe
Caution
Shrimp safe
Yes
Snail safe
Yes
Cave breeder
No
Digs substrate
Yes
Jump risk
Low
Natural history & care
Research-backed context for long-term aquarium care.
Lifespan
Not yet documented
Diet type
Omnivore
Minimum aquarium volume
700 L
Minimum footprint
180 × 60 cm
Accepted scientific name
Pterygoplichthys pardalis
Alternative names
Common Plec, Amazon Sailfin Catfish, Hypostomus plecostomus (common trade misidentification)
Native range
Lower, middle and upper Amazon basin, South America.
Natural habitat
Large benthic catfish needing strong filtration, substantial floor area, robust wood/rock structure and open turning space. Plants may be uprooted or damaged.
Diet & feeding
Mostly plant/detrital grazing in aquarium care, supplemented with vegetables, algae wafers and appropriate sinking foods. Do not rely on naturally occurring algae alone.
Breeding & sexing
Research-backed guidance for identifying sexes and reproductive behaviour.
Sexing
External sexing is difficult in ordinary aquarium observation; mature males may show more developed odontodes and genital-papilla differences.
Breeding
Wild Pterygoplichthys excavate burrows for reproduction; routine home-aquarium breeding is impractical because of adult size and spawning behaviour.