Spiny Stream Pleco

About

Found in the Paraguay River basin of South America, Hypostomus latifrons is a pleco-type armored catfish that can reach a respectable size in the aquarium. Adults commonly fall somewhere between seven and twelve inches, so this is not a fish to underestimate when it comes to long-term planning. Like others in its genus, it possesses the ability to breathe air as a supplement to gill respiration, an adaptation that likely evolved in response to the low-oxygen conditions that seasonal rivers in its native range can experience. In the aquarium this trait means it can handle less-than-perfect oxygenation better than many fish, though that should never be used as an excuse for lazy husbandry. As an omnivore it will graze on algae and biofilm but also benefits from supplemental feeding with vegetables, sinking wafers, and the occasional protein-based food. It tends to be territorial with its own kind, especially in tighter spaces, so keep that in mind if you plan to house multiples. A single specimen is generally peaceful toward unrelated tankmates. This is a catfish best suited to a keeper who has some experience with larger bottom-dwellers and can plan ahead for its decade-plus lifespan.