Category:Plecos

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[edit] What is a Pleco?

The word Pleco was short for Plecostomus, a collective group (genus) of catfish. However over the years fish which were originally in this group have been extensively renamed and are no longer in this group. But fish keepers still call them under this name.

[edit] Plecostomus Catfish

There are over 700 species of suckermouth armoured catfishes (or plecs as they usually get referred to) with new species still being discovered.

All Plecos fall under the family name of Loricariidae (Lori-Kari-iday) meaning Armoured catfish, and the majority are found in South America. The tell-tail feature of a pleco is a lack of traditional fish scales, instead rows of "armour plating" and an underslung suckermouth. On some plecos they also appear to be hairy!

Contrary to popular belief, no pleco is truly herbivorous, indeed some won't touch algae at all! Plecos are omnivorous and opportunistic. There are several species that actually prefer meaty diets, and may even take small tank mates!

[edit] Did you know

• In the recent past there was a superstition amongst Internet fish keepers that to type 'Pleco' on a forum was bad luck as the fish would die. It was often written down as as 'Pl*co' instead.

• In the UK, Plecos are often referred as Plecs instead.