Hypostomus punctatus is a tropical fish that is part of the armored suckermouth catfish family called Loricariidae.
This fish is originally from South America, specifically the coastal areas of southeastern Brazil and Uruguay. Aquarists often call this fish “plecostomus” or “common pleco.”
Hypostomus punctatus live in fast-flowing rivers and flooded areas, where they eat algae and detritus.
Hypostomus punctatus need a tank of a minimum of 120 cm (approximately 4 feet) in length because these fish have a tendency to eat plants and roots.
You can check out what this fish looks like over here.
Hypostomus punctatus Interesting Facts
- Hypostomus punctatus is a freshwater tropical fish from South America.
- It belongs to the family of armored suckermouth catfish and is commonly called “plecostomus” or “common pleco” by aquarists.
- In its natural habitat, it can be found in fast-flowing rivers and flooded areas.
- In the wild, it feeds on algae and detritus, while in aquariums it also feeds on plants and roots.
- A minimum aquarium size of 120 cm is recommended for this species.
Hypostomus punctatus Habitat
Hypostomus punctatus is a tropical fish native to South America, specifically the coastal areas of southeastern Brazil.
This fish lives in freshwater and stays close to the bottom of the water.
It prefers water with a pH level between 5.0 to 8.0, and a hardness range (dH) between 0.5 to 25.
Hypostomus punctatus prefer water temperatures between 71.6°F to 82.4°F (22°C to 28°C).
| Water Temperature: | 71.6°F to 82.4°F (22°C to 28°C) |
| Water pH: | 5.0 to 8.0 pH |
| Water Hardness: | 0.5 to 25 dH |
Hypostomus punctatus Physical Characteristics
Size: 11.8 inches (30.0 centimeters)
Hypostomus punctatus can grow up to 11.8 inches (30.0 centimeters) in length.
This is measured using the standard length method, which measures from the tip of the snout to the end of the tail base.
Hypostomus punctatus Scientific Classification
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Actinopterygii |
| Order: | Siluriformes |
| Family: | Loricariidae |
| Genus: | Hypostomus |
| Scientific Name: | Hypostomus punctatus |
| Also Known As: | Hypostomus punctatus, Plecostomus, Common Pleco |
| Conservation Status: | Unknown |