Common Pleco Habitat
Plecostomus (Hypostomas plecostomus) are a freshwater species from tropical and subtropical Central and South America. They are a member of the scientific family known as Loricariidae, which is the largest family of catfish and includes over 700 species. These fish are most well known for the bony plates that line their bodies and the suction-type mouth that is characteristic of members of this species.
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Habitat
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The family Loricariidae is widely distributed throughout its home range, but the majority of member species are frequently found in small, isolated pockets that have been geographically isolated from each other. They prefer to live in swift-moving streams, but it is not uncommon to find them in large rivers, estuaries or land-locked bodies of water that have been created by seasonal conditions.
Diet
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Plecostomus, like many other members of their family, are primarily herbivores but are opportunistic feeders and will consume insects if the possibility arises. They will often be found among logs, rocks and other underwater debris that provides optimum feeding grounds for algae and other plant material.
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Anatomy
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The most obvious physical characteristic associated with these fish is their ventral, suctionlike mouth. This modified mouth allows plecostomus to feed, breathe and attach themselves to surfaces simultaneously. The jaws of this species are highly mobile, unlike most catfish, which allows them to ability to rotate their jaws as a means to scraping surfaces for algae. Another important feature is a modified iris, also known as an omega iris. This provides them with the ability to adjust the amount of light entering their eye, especially critical, for they are nocturnal.
Breeding
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Plecostomus are oviparous, that is, they are egg layers. Once the female has deposited the eggs, they are guarded by the male until hatching occurs, which can be between 5 and 20 days depending on the actual species. Males will sometimes continue to guard the larvae as well until they have reached adequate size to be self-sufficient. Plecos can be territorial during breeding season, and their somewhat aggressive nature can lead to conflicts.
Conservation
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Plecostomus are not considered to be threatened or endangered, and most of the specimens found in pet stores have been farmed in captive breeding facilities in Asia and Florida. They are, however, being introduced into the wild by illegal dumping from aquarists and are increasing in large numbers in the Gulf of Mexico. Continued discarding of unwanted pets by owners can cause unhealthy competition between plecostomus and native species, which can result in declines of native populations.
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References
- Photo Credit catfish minow image by sasha from Fotolia.com
