LDA051 Rusty Pleco - (Hypostomus cochliodon)

🐠 LDA051 Rusty Pleco – Hypostomus cochliodon – South American Pleco for Sale

The LDA051 Rusty Pleco (Hypostomus cochliodon) for sale is a highly sought-after South American pleco prized for its deep rusty-brown coloration, unique spoon-shaped teeth, and exceptional algae- and wood-grazing ability. Found in the Paraguay River and Middle Paraná River basins, this pleco is perfect for aquarists seeking a hardy, peaceful pleco for larger aquariums. The Rusty Pleco not only keeps tanks clean but also adds exotic beauty to any pleco enthusiast’s collection.

🔎 Quick Facts – LDA051 Rusty Pleco for Sale

• 📛 Common Name: Rusty Pleco
• 🔬 Scientific Name: Hypostomus cochliodon
• 🆔 LDA Number: LDA051
• 🌍 Origin: Paraguay River & Middle Paraná River, South America
• 🎨 Appearance: Dark brown to reddish-rust body, spoon-shaped teeth, armored plates
• 📏 Max Size: ~9 inches (23 cm)
• 🛒 Availability: Exotic South American pleco for sale

😇 Behavior & Temperament

• 🤝 Peaceful with most community fish
• 🪵 Constant grazer of wood, algae, and biofilm
• 🌙 Primarily nocturnal, but will feed during low-light periods
• 🛡️ Tough, armored body suitable for larger setups

🏠 Tank Requirements

• 📦 Minimum Tank Size: 75+ gallons
• 🪵 Heavy driftwood presence (essential for digestion)
• 🪨 Rock structures & caves for hiding
• 🌊 Moderate water flow with strong filtration to handle bio-load

💧 Water Parameters

• 🌡️ Temperature: 69–75°F (21–24°C)
• ⚗️ pH: 6.3–7.2
• 💧 Hardness: Moderate (dH 10–18)

🍽️ Diet

• 🪵 Primary: Driftwood (xylophagous diet)
• 🥒 Fresh vegetables: zucchini, cucumber, squash
• 🐟 High-quality sinking algae wafers & pleco pellets
• 🦐 Occasional protein: shrimp, bloodworms

🔍 Sexing

• 👨 Males: May develop more prominent odontodes and slimmer bodies
• 👩 Females: Rounder abdomen

🐟 Possible Tank Mates

• 🐠 Peaceful mid-to-large tetras
• 🐟 Corydoras catfish
• 🐡 Larger rasboras and danios
• 🚫 Avoid overly aggressive or fin-nipping species

📊 Difficulty Rating

⭐ Moderate – Requires stable water conditions, large aquarium, and wood-based diet

📋 Overview Table – LDA051 Rusty Pleco

✨ Highlight – LDA051 Rusty Pleco for Sale

The LDA051 Rusty Pleco (Hypostomus cochliodon) for sale is one of the best algae-eating and wood-grazing South American plecos available to the aquarium hobby. Originating from the Paraguay River and Middle Paraná River in South America, it is an exotic, peaceful, and hardy pleco that thrives in driftwood-rich tanks. This pleco is perfect for pleco collectors and aquarists seeking a functional yet striking fish that can grow up to 9 inches in length.