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Plecos

Loricariidae Catfish (Plecos & Suckermouth Catfish)

The Loricariidae family — often known as plecos, plecostomus, or suckermouth catfish — is one of the most diverse and fascinating groups of freshwater fish in the world. Native to the rivers and floodplains of Central and South America, these unique bottom-dwellers are celebrated for their armored bodies, distinctive sucker mouths, and valuable role as natural algae cleaners in aquariums.

Appearance & Diversity

Loricariids are characterized by their bony plates and ventral sucker mouths, which they use to cling to rocks, wood, and glass while grazing on algae or biofilm. This family includes hundreds of species, ranging from the small and peaceful Otocinclus and Ancistrus (bristlenose plecos) to the impressive, large-bodied Hypostomus and Panaque species. Their variety of shapes, colors, and patterns — from spotted, striped, and gold varieties to rare “L-number” species — makes them a favorite among aquarists and collectors.

Behavior & Temperament

Most Loricariids are peaceful, nocturnal, and bottom-dwelling. They spend much of their time attached to surfaces, feeding on algae, plant matter, or wood (depending on the species). Though generally calm, territorial behavior can occur among mature males, especially when breeding caves are involved. Many smaller species thrive in community aquariums, while larger ones make excellent feature fish in spacious tanks.

Care & Requirements

  • Water parameters: Soft to moderately hard water, pH 6.0–7.8, temperature 72–86 °F

  • Habitat setup: Provide hiding spaces such as driftwood, rock caves, and shaded areas.

  • Feeding: Most are omnivorous or herbivorous, feeding on algae, vegetables, and specialized sinking foods. Some species (like Panaque) even rasp on wood as part of their diet.

  • Tank size: Varies greatly — small species like Otocinclus thrive in nano tanks, while large plecos may require aquariums exceeding 100 gallons.

Why Choose Loricariidae?

  • Excellent natural algae control and tank maintenance

  • Wide range of shapes, colors, and sizes

  • Hardy and adaptable to a variety of aquascapes

  • Ideal for community tanks or species-specific setups


Explore our collection of Loricariidae catfish — from the tiny Otocinclus to the majestic Royal Pleco and rare L-number species. Whether you’re seeking a natural algae grazer or a stunning showpiece, Loricariids bring beauty, function, and personality to any freshwater aquarium.

L260 "Queen Arabesque Pleco"

L260 "Queen Arabesque Pleco"

From $49.99
L519 "Rio Itenez Pleco"L519 "Rio Itenez Pleco"
Sold out

L519 "Rio Itenez Pleco"

From $39.99
Triangle Breeding CaveTriangle Breeding Cave

Triangle Breeding Cave

From $8.99
Split Round Breeding CaveSplit Round Breeding Cave

Split Round Breeding Cave

$8.99
L530 "Snowflake Pleco"L530 "Snowflake Pleco"

L530 "Snowflake Pleco"

From $39.99
L528 "Rio Paraguay Pleco"L528 "Rio Paraguay Pleco"

L528 "Rio Paraguay Pleco"

From $39.99
L136 "Angelic Pleco"L136 "Angelic Pleco"
Sold out

L136 "Angelic Pleco"

From $29.99
L010a "Red Lizard Whiptail Catfish"L010a "Red Lizard Whiptail Catfish"
Sold out

L010a "Red Lizard Whiptail Catfish"

From $19.99
L200 "Green Phantom Pleco"L200 "Green Phantom Pleco"
Sold out

L200 "Green Phantom Pleco"

From $34.99
L134 "Leopard Frog Pleco"L134 "Leopard Frog Pleco"

L134 "Leopard Frog Pleco"

From $49.99
L129 "Colombian Zebra Pleco"

L129 "Colombian Zebra Pleco"

From $19.99
L091 “Three Beacon Pleco”L091 “Three Beacon Pleco”
Sold out

L091 “Three Beacon Pleco”

From $39.99
L199 "Yellow Head Zebra Pleco"L199 "Yellow Head Zebra Pleco"

L199 "Yellow Head Zebra Pleco"

From $24.99
L240 "Galaxy / Vampire Pleco"L240 "Galaxy / Vampire Pleco"
Sold out

L240 "Galaxy / Vampire Pleco"

From $39.99
L047 "Magnum Pleco"
Sold out

L047 "Magnum Pleco"

From $54.99
L264 "Sultan Pleco"L264 "Sultan Pleco"
Sold out

L264 "Sultan Pleco"

From $49.99
L260 "Queen Arabesque Pleco"

L260 "Queen Arabesque Pleco"

$49.99

L519 "Rio Itenez Pleco"

L519 "Rio Itenez Pleco"

$39.99

Sold out
Triangle Breeding Cave

Triangle Breeding Cave

$8.99

Split Round Breeding Cave

Split Round Breeding Cave

$8.99

L530 "Snowflake Pleco"

L530 "Snowflake Pleco"

$39.99

L528 "Rio Paraguay Pleco"

L528 "Rio Paraguay Pleco"

$39.99

L136 "Angelic Pleco"

L136 "Angelic Pleco"

$29.99

Sold out
L010a "Red Lizard Whiptail Catfish"

L010a "Red Lizard Whiptail Catfish"

$19.99

Sold out
L200 "Green Phantom Pleco"

L200 "Green Phantom Pleco"

$34.99

Sold out
L134 "Leopard Frog Pleco"

L134 "Leopard Frog Pleco"

$49.99

L129 "Colombian Zebra Pleco"

L129 "Colombian Zebra Pleco"

$19.99

L091 “Three Beacon Pleco”

L091 “Three Beacon Pleco”

$39.99

Sold out
L199 "Yellow Head Zebra Pleco"

L199 "Yellow Head Zebra Pleco"

$24.99

L240 "Galaxy / Vampire Pleco"

L240 "Galaxy / Vampire Pleco"

$39.99

Sold out
L047 "Magnum Pleco"

L047 "Magnum Pleco"

$54.99

Sold out
L264 "Sultan Pleco"

L264 "Sultan Pleco"

$49.99

Sold out
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