Fin's Fish Guide
The Spoontooth pleco (Hypostomus cochliodon) is a freshwater fish of the family Loricariidae that grows up to 23 cm.
Description
The spoontooth pleco is a suckermouth catfish from fresh water of the Amazon and La Plata basins of South America. The species grows to about 23 cm and has an elongate body covered with bony plates and a fleshy sucker mouth with distinctive spoon-shaped teeth. As a bottom-dweller it clings to wood and stones and rasps mainly wood (xylophagous), algae and aufwuchs; it can breathe air with its gut. The fish appears in the aquarium hobby. The IUCN has not evaluated the species.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Spoontooth pleco?
The Spoontooth pleco has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly brown and shows a marbled pattern. Spoon-shaped teeth and a sucker mouth; mainly rasps wood (xylophagous) with intestinal respiration
Where does the Spoontooth pleco live?
The Spoontooth pleco lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom. South America
How big does the Spoontooth pleco get?
The Spoontooth pleco grows to a maximum of about 23 cm.
Is the Spoontooth pleco dangerous to humans?
No, the Spoontooth pleco is harmless to humans. This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status.
Is the Spoontooth pleco edible?
The Spoontooth pleco is not usually eaten.
More photos
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Hypostomus
More from the family Loricariidae
Want the complete picture on the Spoontooth pleco?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Spoontooth pleco is one of 12,519 species in the app.