Small pleco?

[Galerius]

I have a new 90 gallon that I plan on being heavily planted with various South American cichlids, a shoal of cories, a large school of tetras (undecided as to which) in it. I would like to have a pleco in my tank, but I don't want one that will get huge. For example: I never expected my clown loach to grow past 5 inches...he's now pushing 8. My redtail shark is almost 7. I know fish sizes aren't exact and I attribute my fishes' healthy size to weekly 25% water changes, etc. They both will remain in the 55. Any suggestions on plecos that stay under 6" or so?

TIA

 

[Wizzard~Of~Ozz]

rubberlipped or Bristlenose I believe stay pretty small (< 5")

 

[Meredith]

I vote bristlenose, but only because I have one, and I have never had the other. The bristlenose should stay around 4 in. I believe. I just LOVE mine. He keeps the tank really clean, and he is SO funny to watch.

 

[whitetiger_CJ]

A few of this type would include the otocinclus(2in) the clown pleco(<4in) and an idea for your tetras would be a congo tetra, they are a beautiful fish.

 

[Fishyfanatic]

Gold Nugget, Candy Stripe, Bushy Nose, Tiger, True Zebra (3 inch), Starry Night, Thomasi, Orange Bushy Nose, Gypsy King Tiger, Golden Stripes Peckoltia, Medusa Head, Queen Arabesque, and many many many more. Try this website: http://www.liveaquaria.com/product/scateg.cfm?siteid=20&pCatId=837&TopCatId=837 They have a lot of different types of Pleco's with good profile's on all of them.

 

[SerLunchbox]

i would go with rubber mouth. they generally stay under 4" in length and are voracious algae eaters.

 

[Menagerie]

South American cichlids

Which ones? Any fish will eat what it can fit in it's mouth.

 

[TankGirl]

Menagerie is right - you need to pick a pleco that can hold its own with the cichlids you have in mind. Common plecos are favored for this reason, but if you have plenty of driftwood and hiding spots a smaller one can certainly work out. I know bristlenoses are often used in African cichlid setups, presumably for their ability to handle life with the more aggressive cichlids.

When choosing from some of the ones kindly listed by fishyfanatic, be sure to check their individual requirements, since some are more omnivorous and require different foods than the ones that will eat algae. Some won't touch algae. Planetcatfish.com is an excellent resource also.

 

[Guest]

Pitbull Plecos stay under 3" and are rather active. Entertaining to watch them. They also like to be in groups of three or more.

AS mentioned, if a fish can fit something in it's mouth, it's dinner.