Fin's Fish Guide
The Suckermouth catfish (Hypostomus plecostomus) is a freshwater fish of the family Loricariidae that grows up to 50 cm.
Originally in fresh water of northeastern South America, in rivers and streams.
Description
The suckermouth catfish, the aquarium 'pleco', is a South American armoured catfish that can reach about 50 cm. The body is covered with bony plates and bears a large, fan-shaped dorsal fin and stout spines in the pectoral fins. On the underside of the flattened head is a large sucker mouth with rasping teeth, with which it scrapes algae, plant matter and detritus from stones and wood, and also cleans aquarium glass. Native to north-eastern South America, it has become locally invasive in warm waters worldwide as a released aquarium fish. It is active at night and, thanks to intestinal air-breathing, can survive briefly out of water.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Suckermouth catfish?
The Suckermouth catfish has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly brown and shows a spots pattern. South American armoured catfish with bony skin plates, a large sucker mouth on the underside and a tall, fan-shaped dorsal fin.
Where does the Suckermouth catfish live?
The Suckermouth catfish lives in fresh water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Originally in fresh water of northeastern South America, in rivers and streams.
How big does the Suckermouth catfish get?
The Suckermouth catfish grows to a maximum of about 50 cm. On average the species is around 28 cm.
Is the Suckermouth catfish dangerous to humans?
No, the Suckermouth catfish is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Suckermouth catfish edible?
The Suckermouth catfish 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 Suckermouth catfish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Suckermouth catfish is one of 12,519 species in the app.