Suckermouth catfish (Hypostomus plecostomus)

Scientific name: Hypostomus plecostomus Linnaeus, 1758

Suckermouth catfish (Hypostomus plecostomus)
Photo: https://www.theaquariumguide.com/articles/hypostomus-plecostomus

The Suckermouth catfish (Hypostomus plecostomus) is a freshwater fish of the family Loricariidae that grows to about 60 cm (24 in). It is easy to keep and peaceful, suits community aquariums and needs water at 20–28°C (68–82°F) and a pH of 6.2–8.2. Native range: South America, Amazonia, in Peru, Bolivia, Argentina and Paraguay.

Suckermouth catfish care at a glance

Care level
Easy
Temperament
Peaceful
Community tank
Good
Adult size
60 cm (24 in)
Temperature
20–28°C (68–82°F)
pH
6.2–8.2
Diet
Omnivore. Accepts vegetables.

Biology

Dorsal spines: 1; Dorsal soft rays: 7; Anal spines: 1; Anal soft rays: 3 - 5. Body short and robust; caudal peduncle not depressed. Upper parts of head and body encased in longitudinal rows of scutes; lower surface of head and abdomen naked.

Source: FishBase, licensed CC BY-NC 4.0.

Species facts

Scientific name
Hypostomus plecostomus
Family
Loricariidae (Armored catfishes)
Order
Siluriformes (Catfish)
Class
Actinopterygii (Ray-finned fishes)
Maximum length
50.0
Common length
28.0
Environment
Freshwater;; pH range: 6.2 - 8.2; dH range: ? - 28 demersal
Climate
Tropical
Distribution
South America: Guianan coastal drainages. Have been introduced to several Asian countries for the aquarium trade.
Conservation status (IUCN)
Not Evaluated
Threat to humans
Harmless
Uses
Fisheries: subsistence fisheries; aquarium: highly commercial
Resilience
Medium, minimum population doubling time 1.4 - 4.4 years (Assuming tmax>3; Fec = 3,000)

More catfish & plecos

See all catfish & plecos

Sources

Taxonomy, distribution and biology data: FishBase (Froese, R. and D. Pauly, eds.), licensed CC BY-NC 4.0. Aquarium care parameters compiled, checked and converted to metric and imperial units by Guppies.za.net.

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