Plecos are predominantly nocturnal, bottom-dwelling catfish ranging from small, peaceful community species to large, territorial “L-number” showpieces. Many are excellent algae grazers when young, but most still need a varied diet of sinking wafers, vegetables and meaty foods, and some species require driftwood to rasp on for proper digestion. Smaller plecos can be kept in aquariums from around 100 litres, while larger varieties need substantially more space, strong filtration and plenty of hiding spots. They generally mix well with peaceful tank mates, but always research the adult size and temperament of the specific species, as some grow very large or become more territorial with age.
