Inexpensive, small, community pleco?

Hi

I am thinking of maybe getting a pleco for my tank. I have a 31G with a footprint of 30” x 12”. I am looking for a species that:

1. Can live peacefully with cherry barbs and cory cats. A community fish.
2. Stays pretty small. 3-4 inches ideally.
3. Doesn’t require driftwood or biofilm/algae. (I would rather have a pleco that I can feed bloodworms, algae-wafers, sinking pellets, etc...)
4. Is inexpensive. $25 or less.
5. Doesn’t need to live in groups. I only want one pleco.

I don’t care about the coloring/pattern. It doesn’t have to be flashy. I just love the shape of plecos! If anyone could give me some L numbers, it would be much appreciated. Thanks!!

EDIT:
Inexpensiveness and availability are more important factors to me than the pleco’s diet.

 

A bristlenose pleco should do well. Can't think of an L number, but should be fine in that size of a community tank. Come in several color morphs amd long-finned varieties as well.


EDIT:In my area, juvenile albino and regular brown ones go for around $8-9 each, typically, at the local stores. See for a little more at the chain stores when they have them.

 

L104 or L162 clown pleco are small and fun to watch. But they, like the bristlenose do enjoy munching on Driftwood so I'm not really sure the best option.


I know the angelicus L136 would fit your size and dietary requirements, but not the $20 budget. Most of the cheaper breeds are going to rasp wood and algae, the more expensive are your typical carnivores.

 

L104 or L162 clown pleco are small and fun to watch. But they, like the bristlenose do enjoy munching on Driftwood so I'm not really sure the best option.


I know the angelicus L136 would fit your size and dietary requirements, but not the $20 budget. Most of the cheaper breeds are going to rasp wood and algae, the more expensive are your typical carnivores.

I may get some driftwood if that’s the case. I am re-doing my tank so now would be the time to add wood.

A bristlenose pleco should do well. Can't think of an L number, but should be fine in that size of a community tank. Come in several color morphs amd long-finned varieties as well.


EDIT:In my area, juvenile albino and regular brown ones go for around $8-9 each, typically, at the local stores. See for a little more at the chain stores when they have them.

Bristlenoses do seem like a good option. Thanks!

 

I bought some super red bristlenose plecos from coralbandit last year that have done well. You might check with him to see if he has any available.

 

Hi

I am thinking of maybe getting a pleco for my tank. I have a 31G with a footprint of 30” x 12”. I am looking for a species that:

1. Can live peacefully with cherry barbs and cory cats. A community fish.
2. Stays pretty small. 3-4 inches ideally.
3. Doesn’t require driftwood or biofilm/algae. (I would rather have a pleco that I can feed bloodworms, algae-wafers, sinking pellets, etc...)
4. Is inexpensive. $25 or less.
5. Doesn’t need to live in groups. I only want one pleco.

I don’t care about the coloring/pattern. It doesn’t have to be flashy. I just love the shape of plecos! If anyone could give me some L numbers, it would be much appreciated. Thanks!!

EDIT:
Inexpensiveness and availability are more important factors to me than the pleco’s diet.

Keep in mind Plecs are very long lived. I have one bristle nose (Beast) that is over 15 years old and another one that is 8. Well cared for they can live over 20 years.

Be sure that you really want one.

Beast at 8 years old and a bit over 5"

 

Keep in mind Plecs are very long lived. I have one bristle nose (Beast) that is over 15 years old and another one that is 8. Well cared for they can live over 20 years.

Be sure that you really want one.

Beast at 8 years old and a bit over 5"

I like the long lived fish. Kinda reminds me of how many reptiles are. They become more of a pet that way, I feel.

 

I like the long lived fish. Kinda reminds me of how many reptiles are. They become more of a pet that way, I feel.

Agreed. I would be hard pressed to pick between Beast and Squeekers our cat.