Breeding Pleco (Hypostomus plecostomus)

Breeding Pleco (Hypostomus plecostomus)
A popular freshwater aquarium fish is the Pleco, or common catfish. It is a hardy fish that can tolerate a variety of water conditions and can grow to be two feet long. Plecos eat a large amount of vegetative matter and can keep the aquarium clear of algae. The two most popular Plecos are Bristlenose and Suckermouth. Because Plecos are relatively easy to raise, they are often a favorite fish for beginners. In many areas, Plecos are one of the available options for a 4-H animal-raising project. However, breeding Plecos is a bit trickier. A sound understanding of Pleco diet, habitat, and behavior is necessary for maintaining good breeding practices. What Do Plecos Eat? Contrary to popular belief, Plecos are not vegetarians. Though many types of Plecos eat mainly vegetable matter, they need protein in their diet as well. Some Plecos, those with well-defined teeth, need a regular supply of protein, both live and supplements, on their menu. Some types of Plecos need wood in their diet. Larry Vires of planetcatfish.com suggests adding soft driftwood to the tank for these types of Plecos, and green beans as the most widely-acceptable Pleco vegetable. How to Tell Your Fish’s Sex Before you can breed your Plecos, you must first be sure that you have a male and a female. Telling the difference is simple. Adult males have projections and depressions on their heads that creates the appearance of horns, while females have smooth rounded heads