17 Most Beautiful Types Of Plecos

Plecos are one of the most beautiful fish for the bottom of the tank. These suckermouth catfish belong to the armored catfish family (Loricariidae) that developed unique patterns and colors. This made them very popular fish among freshwater aquarium owners.

The word “Pleco” is a general term given to all suckermouth catfish in the Loricariidae. The word Pleco originates from Plecostomus catfish that first became popular among fishkeepers. Since word pleco is an easy term to use, fishkeepers slowly used it for all Loricariidae catfish. 

Here in this article we gathered the most beautiful types of plecos for you to select the right one for your aquarium. 

1. Vampire Pleco (Galaxy Pleco L240)

Beautiful species of the Loricariidae family, the vampire pleco (Leporacanthicus cf. galaxias(l240)), is known for its dark black coloring and white spots. They have been around for a while and are a particularly well-liked species for community tanks. Despite the fish’s popularity, a lot of false information about this species has been spread online. Many novice aquarists have been observed following these wrong instructions, which causes disastrous incidents in their tanks. Although these fish are resilient and adaptable to a variety of conditions, a healthy aquarium is essential for their well-being.

Below are the tank parameters you can keep L240 Plecos in: 

• Temperature: 80 – 86 Degrees Fahrenheit 
• PH: 6.5 – 7.7
• TDS: 60 – 120 PPM

2. Sunshine Pleco (Goldie Pleco L014)

Sunshine Pleco, also known as Goldie Pleco or just L014 Pleco, is a pretty freshwater fish (Scobinancistrus aureatus). This pleco will draw anyone’s attention to themselves and provide any tank a pleasant and unique appearance. But these fish are timid, so they try to tuck themselves away under the rocks and other decorations. They are great fish for most tanks because they require minimal maintenance.

Below are the tank parameters you can keep L014 Plecos in: 

• Temperature: 78 – 86 Degrees Fahrenheit 
• PH: 6 – 7.5
• TDS: 80 – 120 PPM

3. King Tiger Pleco (L333 Pleco):

Our favorite freshwater fish, the King Tiger Pleco, Hypancistrus sp. (L333), delivers the aquarium a distinctive look. They are ornamental and practical additions to the aquarium. This fish will continuously sweep the tank for any uneaten food, which will keep the water healthy for your fish. Having a little more assistance is always nice for keeping the tank clean. Additionally, L333 fish are quite laid-back and sociable and can survive in any communal tank. They won’t bother the other fish in the aquarium if the correct circumstances are there.

Below are the tank parameters you can keep L333 Plecos in: 

• Temperature: 80 – 86 Degrees Fahrenheit 
• PH: 6.5 – 7
• TDS: 60 – 120 PPM

4. L397 Pleco (Alenquer Pleco)

L397 Pleco (Panaqolus sp.) has recently gained a lot of worldwide popularity among fish keepers. They are easy to maintain, making them suitable for the majority of fish keepers of various skill levels. These robust plecos can adapt to a variety of aquarium conditions. They will, however, flourish in particular tank configurations and environments.

Below are the tank parameters you can keep L397 Plecos in: 

• Temperature: 75 – 86 Degrees Fahrenheit 
• PH: 6.5 – 7.5
• TDS: 60 – 120 PPM

5. Leopard Frog Pleco (L134 Pleco)

A stunning freshwater fish that is rather well-known among aquarium keepers is the leopard frog pleco (Peckoltia compta). This colorful and well-kept fish will serve as the focal point of the tank’s bottom. These calm, easy-going fish require little maintenance and won’t cause any problems or disturbances in the aquarium.

Below are the tank parameters you can keep L134 Plecos in: 

• Temperature: 75 – 86 Degrees Fahrenheit 
• PH: 6 – 7.5
• TDS: 60 – 120 PPM

6. Bristlenose Pleco 

A stunning algae-eating fish that stands out for its distinctive appearance and behavior is the bristlenose pleco. They are also known as the bushy nose pleco or bushy nose pleco. Bristlenose Pleco fish should undoubtedly be on your list if you’re building up a new tank or creating a community tank. In addition to their aesthetic appeal, they also contribute to the overall functionality of your aquarium. The bristlenose pleco, sometimes known as the bushynose pleco, is one of the most common aquarium fish. The majority of people keep this fish in their aquariums to clean algae and any leftover food.

Below are the tank parameters you can keep Bristlenose Plecos in: 

• Temperature: 78 – 82 Degrees Fahrenheit 
• PH: 6.5 – 7.5
• TDS: 60 – 180 PPM

7. Queen Arabesque Pleco (L260 Pleco)

The Queen Arabesque Pleco (Hypancistrus sp. (L260)) is a gorgeous bottom-dwelling freshwater fish that you may keep in your aquarium. They can be found in the genus Hypancistrus. They will enhance the aesthetics of your tank while keeping your tank free of leftover foods.  This fish will continuously scour the tank for any leftover food, which will keep your tank in good condition. When compared to other plecos, they are easier to care for and smaller in size. Additionally, L260 Pleco is a peaceful and friendly fish that adapts well to any community tank.

Below are the tank parameters you can keep L260 Plecos in: 

• Temperature: 74 – 84 Degrees Fahrenheit 
• PH: 6 – 7.5
• TDS: 60 – 120 PPM

8. Green Phantom Pleco (L200 Pleco)

Hemiancistrus subviridis, or the Green Phantom Pleco, is a popular freshwater fish species kept in aquariums. The fish has a kind demeanor and a beautiful green appearance. They won’t cause you any trouble maintaining your tank and have simple needs. Most aquarists favor them as their pleco of choice because of their larger size. In order for the L200 Pleco to flourish and live for a good long while, the tank conditions must be just right and in its favor.

Below are the tank parameters you can keep L200 Plecos in: 

• Temperature: 72 – 80 Degrees Fahrenheit 
• PH: 6  – 7.5
• TDS: 100 – 120 PPM

9. Blue Phantom Pleco (L128 Pleco)

Many aquarium owners keep the gorgeous freshwater fish known as the Blue Phantom Pleco (Hemiancistrus sp. L128). They are tranquil fish with a lovely and distinctive appearance. They are simple to maintain and will live contentedly in your aquarium. Because of this, they are a popular pleco option among aquarists. For the L128 Pleco to flourish and live a long, happy life, certain tank conditions are required.

Below are the tank parameters you can keep L128 Plecos in: 

• Temperature: 76 – 86 Degrees Fahrenheit 
• PH: 6  – 7
• TDS: 100 – 120 PPM

10. Blue Eyed Pleco 

One of the Loricariidae family’s most stunning fish is the Blue Eyed Pleco (Panaque cochliodon). This pleco will draw anyone’s attention to themselves and provide beauty and variety to any aquarium. This huge pleco is incredibly simple to maintain and won’t cause any issues or disruptions in the tank. Despite this, you might need to make a few changes to your fish tank arrangement if you want your Blue Eyed Pleco to thrive.

Below are the tank parameters you can keep Blue Eyed Plecos in: 

• Temperature: 75 – 80 Degrees Fahrenheit 
• PH: 6.2 – 7.5
• TDS: 80 – 140 PPM

11. Royal Pleco (L027 Pleco) 

The Royal Pleco, or Panaque armbrusteri, is a species of freshwater fish that looks unlike any other. It is also known by the name L027 Pleco. They are stunning fish with extraordinary markings that set them apart from other pleco family members. This species is not difficult to care for and won’t require much of your time. They are calm, semi-sociable, and attractive aquarium species that won’t annoy the other fish.

Below are the tank parameters you can keep L027 Plecos in: 

• Temperature: 72 – 80 Degrees Fahrenheit 
• PH: 6.5 – 7.5
• TDS: 60 – 120 PPM

12. Clown Pleco

One of the most well-liked plecos kept in aquariums today is the Clown Pleco (Panaqolus maccus). This fish has won the affection of aquarists thanks to its unusual look and low maintenance requirements. A beautiful and useful addition to any aquarium, this pleco fish has a distinct appearance.

Below are the tank parameters you can keep Clown Plecos in: 

• Water temperature: 73°F – 82°F
• pH levels: 6.8 to 7.6 
• Water hardness: 10 GH

13. Sailfin Pleco

When it comes to plecos, the Sailfin Plecos are among the largest that can be purchased as a pet. The Sailfin Pleco gets its name from the way its tall dorsal fin looks like the sail of a boat. Their one-of-a-kind appearance will capture the attention of aquarium visitors. These huge fish are distinct from others of their genus due to their vivid coloring and disproportionately enormous dorsal fin. They are lovely, peaceful, and sociable tankmates who won’t bother your other fish.

Below are the tank parameters you can keep this species in: 

• Temperature: 70 – 80 Degrees Fahrenheit 
• PH: 6 – 7.5
• TDS: 100 – 200 PPM

14. Mega Clown Pleco (L340)

Known scientifically as Hypancistrus sp. (L340), the Mega Clown Pleco is a popular freshwater fish owned and cultivated by aquarists. They are small, calm, and have a pleasant appearance that can add a lot of beauty and personality to smaller tanks. They can thrive in pretty much any aquarium environment with minimal effort on your part. The tiny size of these plecos makes them a great addition to any aquarium.

Below are the range you can keep L340 Plecos in: 

• Temperature: 80 – 86 Degrees Fahrenheit 
• PH: 6 – 8
• TDS: 60 – 200 PPM

15. Flat Flyer Pleco (L235)

The L235 Flat Flyer Pleco, or Pseudolithoxus anthrax as it is known in the scientific community, is a relatively recent and unusual addition to the aquarium trade. They’ve recently risen in popularity, making for a great addition to public fish tanks. However, we have yet to come across high-quality instruction on how to properly care for this fish, despite its widespread acclaim. There is a lot of reliable information available online about this species, which could lead inexperienced aquarists astray.

Below are the range you can keep L235 Plecos in: 

• Temperature: 75 – 82 Degrees Fahrenheit 
• PH: 6.2  – 7.0
• TDS: 60 – 160 PPM

16. Lujans Pleco (L127)

The L127 Pleco, or Peckoltia lujani as it’s known in the scientific community, is a stunning member of the family Loricariidae (Plecos). Beautiful and unique, this pleco is sure to be the center of attention in any fish tank. They won’t cause any trouble or disturbance in the aquarium. Although Lujans Pleco requires little care and attention, you may need to make some aquarium modifications to ensure their survival.

Below are the tank parameters you can keep Lujans Pleco plecos in: 

• Temperature: 75 – 82 Degrees Fahrenheit 
• PH: 6.5 – 7.2
• TDS: 100 – 200 PPM

17. Common Pleco (L021)

The Common Pleco, or Pterygoplichthys pardalis, is a species of freshwater fish that stands out due to its unusual appearance. These huge fish stand out among others of their genus thanks to their distinct coloring and patterning. Easy to care for and won’t require much of your time, this species is a great pet. They are peaceful, sociable, and attractive additions to any aquarium and won’t annoy the resident fish.

Below are the tank parameters you can keep this species in: 

• Temperature: 70 – 80 Degrees Fahrenheit 
• PH: 6 – 7.5
• TDS: 100 – 200 PPM