Rhino Plecostomus

Scientific Name: Glyptoperichthys scrophus
Loricarid ID:
Recommended Aquarium: 100+ Gallons
Approx. Adult Size: 15 to 20 inches
Temperament: Peaceful
Ease of Care: Easy
Diet: Omnivore
Native Waters: South America

The body coloring is a dark brown with lighter chocolate brown markings on the body and fins. Sometimes there is a touch of red to the upper fringe of the tail fin. The Rhino is perhaps best not kept with other plecos, but its large size allows it to be kept with most all other types of fish. Plecos are safe with most all other fish; though there are reports of them bothering slow moving, wide body fish, i.e. Goldfish, Discus. It appears that the pleco is eating the body slime of the fish and this is not good. Larger plecos will damage live plants, not necessarily by eating them, but as they browse on algae growing on the plant, their body weight snaps the stems of the plant. Dead or dying leaves are a food source, but healthy leaves are not eaten. The scales of the pleco act as armor plating and allow the pleco to survive with much larger fish. Most plecos will tolerate other plecos in the same aquarium, but there are exceptions, and plenty of hiding places are required. Generally long lived, the pleco can make a great addition as a scavenger in the aquarium.

Approximate arrival size for Rhino Plecostomus: 2 to 3 inches