Rhino Pleco

[Hunterprey]

I saw an 11" Rhino Pleco @ my LFS. It looked very nice. The employee told me they get bigger than 11" around the same size as a common pleco. Ive checked diff sites stating they dont get bigger than 12" Which info is correct? I kinda like to add 1 to my tank if it doesnt get any bigger than a foot.

And is there any other Pleco that gets 8-12 inches, thats not too aggressive and can help a bit with Algae? Any suggestions are appreciated. Thnx.

 

[Neomeris]

Look here
http/www.fishforums.net/index.php?/topic/132656-30-plLook Hereecos-under-8-inches/


Neomeris

 

[JenCliBee]

If your referring to pterygoplichthys scrophus then yes they can reach common plec sizes (they are part of the common plec species).... probably around 13 - 14 inch as average but i would say larger if the potential is there.


Have a look at the link above for plecs under 8 inches, some nice species around as long as the tank is suitable for the individual needs.

 

[Hunterprey]

Thnx for the responses. Yeah i was referring to the scorphus. I dont mind a 13-14 inch pleco I guess still OK. I Just dont want one that gets 18-24 inch. I was thinking of adding the Rhino to my 120 gallon tank. The Rhino @ LFS look really nice. Im guessing this will get bigger than 14" in my tank?

I had a look at that under 8" pleco thread awhile back. Im actually looking for something a bit bigger so I can keep the pleco long term without the chance of getting eaten by my Dat or Polypterus. I have a BN pleco ATM I like how she just attached to the glass and do her thing. I like plecos plus the fact that she helps with algae is a bonus and makes up for all the mess they do If I can find a pleco similar to my BN that gets around 10ish inches that would be great.

 

[Neomeris]

I'm glad you know what you want. That will make it easier for you to get what you want. Sorry if that is too obvious or anything.


I found out about a common pleco that you could look at. What size is your tank? This fish gets about 12" long, and needs at least a 70 gallon tank. It is friendly, also. I read on a different site that there were accounts of fish like it being tame enough to take food from your hand. It's a real pretty fish. Here's a link.


Neomeris

 

[Hunterprey]

Hey thnx for the response.

My tank is 60" X 18" X 26"(height) 120g I was reading up on that link u suggested, thnx. I thought common pleco can reach 2 feet tho. But I found something that might work from that link. The Royal Pleco L191, suppose to reach only 9.8" thats perfect. I really liked that 11" Rhino from LFS, it looked fierce but L191 would be my second choice!

I hope the link is credible tho. It said Rhino plecs maxed @ 11" which I heard people say otherwise. I hope someone can confirm that L191 only gets 9.8" theres some 1" Royal Pleco @ my LFS, although I cant tell which species is it cuz theyre too young still. Orange cheek pleco looks nice too. Thnx

 

[JenCliBee]

Hey thnx for the response.

My tank is 60" X 18" X 26"(height) 120g I was reading up on that link u suggested, thnx. I thought common pleco can reach 2 feet tho. But I found something that might work from that link. The Royal Pleco L191, suppose to reach only 9.8" thats perfect. I really liked that 11" Rhino from LFS, it looked fierce but L191 would be my second choice!

I hope the link is credible tho. It said Rhino plecs maxed @ 11" which I heard people say otherwise. I hope someone can confirm that L191 only gets 9.8" theres some 1" Royal Pleco @ my LFS, although I cant tell which species is it cuz theyre too young still. Orange cheek pleco looks nice too. Thnx

Common plecs can reach two foot but more often than not they will reach 14-16 inches and then just grow very very slow. The average would probably be around 14-16 inches for commons.

The 191 can also reach common plec sizes, albeit usually quite slowly after say 10 inches.... not sure which link it was taken from but 191 could have the potential for 20 inches+ and not the 9.8 inches the link states.

The rhino can and will often be in excess of 11 inches.... the size i mentioned earlier is a more realistic adult size. You will get all sorts of sizes for all sorts of plecs but they are usually wrong, a guide or an average rather than a potential size.

 

[Hunterprey]

Thnx fishyjake, I might just get the Rhino Pleco then. I think 13-14 " realistic adult size is more manageable. Plus the one I saw @ my LFs is really stunning. Its definitely better than 20+ inches.

I know they are pretty messy, so are some other fish I have in the tank already. Im getting a Fluval FX5 and I already have Rena XP3 running ATM. Altogether its gonna be 1300 gallons per hour water turnover. Im guessing this would suffice? Thnx for all the help guys.

If you can suggest something else that max @ 9-12 inches that will be great too

 

[JenCliBee]

Thnx fishyjake, I might just get the Rhino Pleco then. I think 13-14 " realistic adult size is more manageable. Plus the one I saw @ my LFs is really stunning. Its definitely better than 20+ inches.

I know they are pretty messy, so are some other fish I have in the tank already. Im getting a Fluval FX5 and I already have Rena XP3 running ATM. Altogether its gonna be 1300 gallons per hour water turnover. Im guessing this would suffice? Thnx for all the help guys.

If you can suggest something else that max @ 9-12 inches that will be great too

Turnover isnt really that important to a certain degree, media capacity is for more important... with them two filters you shouldnt have any problems what so ever.


There are many plecs which could meet your criteria.... things like L128,L200 can get 8-9 inches at full growth and stunning but weather they would be suitable for the fish you keep is a different matter. I keep plecs in species tanks usually or with placid community fish so i dont really have to much experience with keeping with semi predatory fish..sorry!.

Take a look HERE!!! and see if anything takes your fancy.

Some of the sizes on the sight are a little outdated and they are an 'average' WITHOUT TAIL (SL) size but you will get a rough sort of size of each species .

It really is hard choosing a plec species for somebody, everybody has such a different view on what's nice and what's not that it's easier just to have a look and see what really does take your fancy .

Good luck and happy searching

 

[xingumike]

Panaque, L190, L191 etc growly ver, very slowly, I have never seen a L191 over 10 inches, would be interested to see pictures of anything bigger than that.

Bank on an inch a year growth wise.

 

[Corydoralover]

if u choose a royal plec make sure u put wood in there as they need it