It is the standard beginner mistake. You buy a tank. You buy some Goldfish or Guppies. Then, the shop uncle tells you: “You need a cleaner fish. Take this black one. Only RM3.”
You take home the Common Pleco (Hypostomus plecostomus). In Malaysia, we affectionately call them “Ikan Bandaraya” (The City Council Fish) because they clean up trash.
But 6 months later, you have a problem. The cute 2-inch fish is now a 1-foot monster. It isn’t cleaning the glass anymore; it’s waiting for pellets. It attacks your other fish. And it poops more than a cow.
It is time to stop buying the Common Pleco. Here is why, and here is the fish you should be buying instead.
The Problem with the Common Pleco
- Size: These fish grow to 18-24 inches (50cm+). They belong in a pond, not a 2-foot aquarium.
- The Poop Myth: Beginners think Plecos eat fish poop. False. They eat algae and food. They produce massive amounts of waste. Adding a Common Pleco to “clean” a dirty tank is like trying to put out a fire with gasoline.
- Laziness: Once they get bigger than 6 inches, they stop eating algae. They realize it’s easier to steal fish pellets.
The Solution: The Bristlenose Pleco (Ancistrus)
This is the fish I recommend to everyone. It is the perfect aquarium citizen.
- Size: They stay small! A full-grown male is only 4-5 inches.
- Appearance: They look prehistoric. The males grow weird, tentacle-like “whiskers” on their face. Some people think it’s ugly; I think it’s charming.
- Work Ethic: Unlike their giant cousins, Bristlenose plecos eat algae their entire lives. They work hard.
- Varieties: You can get them in Black, Albino (Yellow), or “Super Red.” There is even a Long-Fin version that looks like a dragon.
For the Ballers: The “L-Numbers”
If you want something fancier than a Bristlenose, welcome to the world of L-Numbers. Scientists haven’t named all the Plecos yet, so they give them codes like L046 or L333.
- L134 (Leopard Frog): Beautiful yellow and black stripes.
- L333 (King Tiger): mesmerizing scribbles.
- L046 (Zebra): The “Rolex” of Plecos. Black and white stripes. Very expensive.
These are not just cleaners; they are showpieces.
Crucial Care Tip: They Need Wood
If you keep Bristlenose or Fancy Plecos, you must have driftwood in your tank. They don’t just hide under it; they eat it. They need the fiber from the wood to digest their food. Without wood, they will get bloated and die.
Closing Thought The next time you are at the shop, walk past the tank of RM3 black suckerfish. They are destined for the drain or a giant pond. Spend a bit more (RM15 – RM25) and get a Bristlenose. Your tank will stay cleaner, your plants will be safer, and you won’t have to figure out what to do with a 2-foot monster in a year.
