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There are millions of pleco fish globally, but your house’s small area does not justify a large aquarium’s maintenance. On the other hand, the Common Pleco is too large for most small and medium-sized tanks.
So you have to choose those types of Pleco, which has some variety and can thrive well in small aquariums.
So, let’s start with the question- what is the smallest Pleco Fish?
The Golden Fleece Pleco remains tiny throughout its entire existence, just 2 centimeters in height. Body dimensions make this fish one of the smallest pléco species in domestic aquariums. Anyway, this small group comes from the genus Parotocinclus and tends to live in groups as well.
We are just getting started-
This article will discuss everything you may need to know about Pleco fish which can be kept in a small aquarium. See the included list, and we sure this list helps you decide for your tank which ones you might want.
5 Small Pleco Fish [ along with their details]
1. Bristlenose pleco
The Bristlenose pleco is 3-5 inches on average, but fully mature bristlenose grows to 5 inches on average. The reason is that they are great fish because they are also very available and very cheap, so they are easy to find in most animal shops. These fish have a long life span. Some of these fish are known to live in home aquariums for up to 20 years.
There are various Bristlenose Pleco color variations out there. Brown, gray, black, or olive green can usually be noticed, but most can see dark base color covered in a series of lighter dots.
Size: 3-5 inches
Difficulty: Beginner
Minimum Tank Size: 25 gallons
Plant requirement: Driftwood
Ph level needed: 5.8 to 7.8
Temperature range: 73-81F
2. Clown Pleco
The clown pleco is 3-4 inches bigger and can live for 10-12 years. This is herbivorous so that the tank will be cleaned and rummaging in the substrate. Most clowns have a standard color of black, but thin, yellow, and orange stripes nicely break up the black.
This Pleco clown does not need specific water parameters for healthy maintenance. If you are talking about food, decoration is an excellent source of algae. Give your clown pleco food. Clown Plecos are common in local fish stores, so this fish is not too difficult to find. However, remember that they are peaceful but can be a target for bigger fish.
Size: 3.5 inches
Difficulty: Intermediate
Minimum Tank Size: 20 gallons
Diet: Herbivore
Plant requirement: Driftwood
Ph level needed: 6.8 to 7.6
Temperature range: 73 to 82F
3. Rubber Lip Pleco
The Rubber Lip Pleco is an excellent choice for aquarists because it is low maintenance and has much fun to look after. They look great and can grow up to about 7 inches and live for 12 or more years, making them great for every aquarium user. You can purchase it into your tank if you want to keep your tank clean. These fish are known as excellent algae cleaners and eat a lot of aquarium algae.
Don’t be worried about finding them. Another common Pleco in stores is the Rubber Lip Pleco.
Size: 7 inches
Difficulty: Intermediate
Minimum Tank Size: 30 gallons
Diet: Herbivore
Plant Requirement: Driftwood
Ph level needed: 6.5 to 8
Temperature range: 71 to 78F
4. Zebra pleco
The zebra pleco is a shy fish that needs many hiding places and plants to hide in. This fish has zebra color-like thick bands of black and white coloration. These plecos are omnivores, so brine shrimp, blood worms, fallen flake, and other meaty foods they preferred. The zebra pleco grows to be 3-4 inches long and prefers oxygen-rich waters and clean water.
However, they do need to be kept at a slightly higher temperature like much other tropical fish. As a result, you should use a dependable aquarium heater to provide them with a warmer environment.
Size: 3.5 inches
Difficulty: Intermediate
Minimum Tank Size: 30 gallons
Diet: Carnivorous
Live Plant Require: Driftwood
Ph level needed: 6.5 – 7.0
Temperature range: 78 – 86F
5. Queen Arabesque Pleco
The queen arabesque has a lovely black and white maze pattern that helps to differentiate it. Because this fish is a scavenger and a great bottom feeder, they will clean up and eat most of the food left on the bottom. Do not place any aggressive fish near them when they are present because they may become a target. Don’t be concerned about their size; they only reach a height of about 3 inches and can easily fit into your small tank.
Minimum tank size: 20 gallons
Size: 3.1 – 3.5 inches
Diet: scavenger
Ph level needed: 5.5 – 7.5
Temperature range: 73-82°F
Requirement of Pleco Fish
Every fish have it’s own requirement to keep healthy and as a fish Pleco have some requirement. See the included requirement and try to implement it.
1. Water Requirement
Because they are hardy fish, water parameters aren’t as essential to maintaining as other fish, but you must keep the water well filtered. Pleco fish prefer water with a temperature of 72°F to 86°F and a pH of 6.5 to 7.5. Don’t be concerned about the heater; they can be kept at room temperature.
2. Tank Size Requirement
The common Pleco requires a large tank, but the fish we’re discussing today can be kept in as little as 20 to 30 gallons of water. However, if you want to add a large pleco, you’ll need a large tank, such as 150 gallons or even 200 gallons size aquarium.
3. Feeding Requirement
You might be surprised that most Pleco fish are sold as algae eaters; some species are carnivorous and feed on carrion in the wild. However, most people believe that they can live entirely on algae. Vegetables and algae should be a part of their diet, and you can provide them with lettuce, zucchini, spinach, shelled peas, and cucumbers.
Feed your pleco fruit or vegetables once or twice a week, cutting the vegetables into small pieces before adding them to your tank and placing the vegetable in the tank’s bottom.
4. Tank Mates
Pleco fish may have seemed to be dangerous, but they are pretty peaceful and can be kept in a community tank. Cichlids, Tetras, Gouramis, Bettas, Guppies, and various other popular fish can be added.
Some Advantages and Disadvantages of Pleco fish
There are several advantages and disadvantages with pleco fish, but disadvantages are less than advantages.
Advantages
Pleco fish is mainly known as a bottom feeder. They eat those types of food uneaten by other fish in the aquarium.
Since Pleco fish eat uneaten fish so bacteria can not grow from the uneaten food, it helps you keep your tank healthy. Their food is not hard to found, and you don’t need to spend a lot of money on their food.
Disadvantages
Although Pleco fish is polite, they can turn into an aggressive mood and suck other fish, turning those fish sick and dying. Most people want to keep their fish in 10-gallon water for the lack of enough space, but the sad news is that pleco fish is not recommended to 10-gallon water.
One of the biggest problems with these fish is that they grow silently and quickly, so they look more aggressive than the last time when they get big. For this reason, they need to move to another tank or pond.
FAQs:
Question: Can 2 Pleco live together?
Answer: They can be highly protective of one another. As a result, housing them together can be extremely dangerous. However, when they’re alone and away from other plecos, they can be a peaceful and pleasant addition to a community tank.
Question: Does Pleco fish need an air pump?
Answer: If there is a good filter that causes a lot of surface disturbance, they won’t need an air pump. If your pleco appears to be gasping for air and not swimming much, you should invest in an air pump.
Question: What is the minimum tank size for a Pleco?
Answer: A large tank is needed for the common Pleco. Upon reaching an adult, at least 150 gallons of the tank are needed.
Question: Does Pleco eat other fish in an aquarium?
Answer: Pleco catfish are not aggressive fish, but they will eat a dead fish if one is present. A fish usually dies and sinks to the bottom, after which the pleco consumes the entire fish.
Take Away
Small Pleco fish is popular for those who don’t have sufficient space to set up a large aquarium. But Pleco fish need colossal space to thrive.
Most people think when they consider this small that these fish can clean up the aquarium. Don’t worry that they are smaller fish, but they will also clean your tank.
So, was this information helpful?
Share your answers and thoughts with us by leaving a comment. Good luck with choosing the perfect small pleco fish for you!
