Pleco are smaller catfish species; they belong to the Loricariidae fish family. The pleco are called suckermouth catfish in many parts of the US because of their physical features. When compared with the channel catfish or other popular catfish species, pleco are remarkably smaller in size and can be easily identified because of their distinctive markings.
Catfish vs Pleco
Pleco are found in private aquariums and fishing tanks. In the natural environment, pleco can be found in the shallow parts of freshwater rivers or lakes. They have been able to survive in these parts for many years because pleco swims very fast and are extremely wary of danger. At the first perception of danger, a pleco will immediately find a hiding place and remain in its cover until the danger passes. Our regular channel catfish are usually found at the bottom of the river, in the murky depths. Catfish can also be found hiding in caves and brush piles below the water surface.
Catfish have a diversified diet; they can eat a wide range of stuff found in the rivers. Catfish are omnivores; they also feed on aquatic plants as well as living things (smaller creatures). Pleco are also omnivores; you can find pleco eating the remnants of a large meal left by bigger fish. They get the needed protein to boost their growth from this feeding pattern. Pleco also feeds on algae. When kept in private aquariums or fish tanks, pleco are known to help keep the aquatic environment clean because they eat any form of algae that may start growing in the fish tank as well as other forms of dirt that can lower the quality of the freshwater in the fish tank.
Pleco are much smaller than the regular catfish we know. Pleco grows to about 20 inches, while the bigger sized catfish can reach about 60 inches or more depending on the catfish species. Pleco has characteristic dark spots arranged in a unique pattern on their bodies which set the pleco apart. Catfish have a slippery skin without scales. The catfish have a broadhead much bigger than the pleco. The presence of barbells also sets the catfish apart regarding its physical features.
Catfish are elusive and can be found in murky waters, but they will come out to feed at the first sighting of a potential meal. Pleco, on the other hand, are very elusive; you can find them lurking under cover of aquatic plants in a fish tank or at the bottom of a river. Pleco tends to be nocturnal fish species, coming out to feed only under cover of the night.
Typically pleco can act aggressively just like the catfish when threatened. This behavior has also been observed when they are kept in a fish tank with other fish species. However, we can regard this behavior as normal because pleco do not go looking for a fight; they only react when other fish come close to their preferred living areas in the habitat.
Catfish and pleco are eaten as food. They are a good source of proteins in our meals. However, pleco are mostly kept in aquariums where people can admire them.
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