Pleco vs. Tank size

[Snowy_The_Pleco]

I have a common species of pleco, though I have never quite identified him. (He is in my avatar). He is about 9 inches right now and about the limit for my tank size. It is about 20-30 gallons. I was wondering if he will grow much larger, and exceed the space that he has in the tank? I really hope he will stop growing...

 

[jm1212]

it looks to me like you ahve a common pleco. they can easily top 2 feet in length, so it would be best to get him at least a 125 gallon tank. keep in mind that he will tank up much of the bioload

 

[Coler]

if its a true common pleco (Hypostomus plecostomus, Liposarcus pardalis) he may reach up to a couple of feet, but is certainly likely to reach 14 - 16 inches. Sounds like you might need an upgrade on the tank...if he was to stop growing it would be as a result of him being stunted, which would result in his early death and an unpleasant life.

 

[Snowy_The_Pleco]

Thanks both of you, he hasn't been growing very much lately but I will keep in mind that he will be longer. We have been thinking about buying an additional tank so I will consider about getting him a new tank sometime.

Unfortunately when we bought him we were ignorant like most and didn't know that he would grow large, it wasn't the best move for our small tank, even though I love him.