Trinidad Plecostomus (Hypostomus punctatus)

The nocturnal Trinidad Plecostomus is a great candidate for the community aquarium. Usually greenish yellow in color, its patterned fins camouflage it well in a planted tank. It comes from the Amazon region of South America from fast flowing rivers to flood plains.

A larger aquarium of at least 70 gallons is recommended to house the Trinidad Plecostomus. It will get rather large in the aquarium, so provide plenty of room for it to move. Plants, rocks, and driftwood help mirror its natural environment and help give it a sense of security.

In the wild this fish is an egg layer, but breeding in an aquarium setting has not been successful.

A useful herbivore in an aquarium with algae, the Trinidad Plecostomus will keep algae under control under normal tank conditions. If no algae are present, supplement with algae wafers and other herbivore preparations.

Approximate Purchase Size: Tiny: Less than 1/2"; Small: 1/2" to 1-1/4"; Medium: 1-1/4" to 2"; Large: 2" to 3"

Care details

• Temperature: 72 - 82° F
• dKH: 4 - 15
• Color: Green, Yellow and Black
• Family: Loricariidae
• Diet: Omnivore