L021 Common Pleco – (Pterygoplichthys pardalis)

🐟 L021 Common Pleco – (Pterygoplichthys pardalis)

The L021 Common Pleco is one of the most recognizable and widespread plecos in the aquarium hobby. Often sold as a juvenile algae-eater, these fish can grow impressively large and are best suited for big tanks or ponds. Despite being labeled as “common,” they’re anything but ordinary—resilient, hardy, and equipped with a beautiful pattern of dark spots and armor-like plating.

🌊 Tank Setup

• 🏞️ Large tank (minimum 90 gallons for adults)
• 🪵 Driftwood, smooth rocks, hiding spots
• 💧 Moderate to strong filtration needed for high bio-load

🍽️ Diet

• 🥬 Omnivore – enjoys algae wafers, veggies (zucchini, cucumber), and protein-rich supplements
• 🧽 Excellent algae cleaner when young, tend to shy away as they get older

⚖️ Temperament

• 🤝 Generally peaceful
• 👑 May become territorial with age
• ⚠️ Can outgrow smaller tanks quickly

🧠 Behavior & Care

• 💤 Nocturnal but may become active during the day
• 💪 Extremely hardy and adaptable
• ⚠️ Requires space to thrive as it can exceed 18 inches

📋 At a Glance

💡 Don't let the “common” name fool you—L021 Plecos are hardy, long-lived, and make a great choice for larger aquariums or even indoor ponds. Just be prepared for their massive adult size.