Leopard Sailfin Pleco (Pterygoplichthys gibbiceps)

Like most dedicated plant grazers, this pleco packs a genuinely long, tightly coiled intestine relative to its body size — a necessity for extracting real nutrition from fibrous plant material and algae, food sources that are abundant but calorie-poor compared to a carnivore's diet. That broad, flattened head and calm temperament make it one of the more laid-back giant plecos to keep once it has the room to match its adult size.

Care level: Easy · Temperament: Peaceful · Max size: ~18" · Min tank: 125+ gal · Diet: Omnivore, algae wafers/veggies