Common Pleco
Hypostomus plecostomus
What you need to keep a Common Pleco
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pH
6.5–8
Temperature
22–28 °C
Where to buy
Compare prices from SA aquarium shops listing Common Pleco.
Avg. price
R85
across 4 shops
5 shops
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Overview
What to know before you buy.
The Common Pleco is a large, hardy catfish often sold to beginners as an algae eater, without warning of its massive adult size. They produce a large amount of waste and can become territorial and aggressive as they grow. They are only suitable for very large, monster fish aquariums.
Key traits
Care guide
Keeping Common Pleco healthy in a South African setup.
Tank setup
Size the aquarium to Common Pleco's adult size and activity level. Use robust décor and sight breaks so each fish can hold its own space.
Water parameters
Keep pH 6.5–8 and 22–28°C. Stable parameters matter more than chasing perfect numbers; acclimate new arrivals slowly.
Feeding
Omnivore. Feed small amounts it clears in a couple of minutes, and vary the diet.
Behaviour
Semi-aggressive. Watch it at feeding time and at lights-out to see its real temperament in your tank.
Tankmates
Choose robust tankmates of similar size, and nothing small enough to be eaten. Add Common Pleco last so territories reset.
Breeding
Breeding success with Common Pleco depends on the line and water chemistry; ask your shop about proven pairs.
Settling this fish in?
Condition the tap water, seed the filter, test through the first weeks — most early losses trace back to one of those.
10% off your first order, no code, at checkout
Availability confirmed with the distributor before dispatch · free delivery over r750
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From hobbyists across SA.
Market intelligence
Price trends and buyer demand — data only FishHub tracks.
Price history — last 90 days
SA price range this month: R65–95 · Average: R80
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