Vietnamese Gold Ring Pleco

Despite the name, this pleco's natural range has nothing to do with Vietnam — Loricariid catfish are a strictly New World family, native only to Central and South America. The "Vietnamese" tag here refers to origin in captive breeding, since Southeast Asian fish farms have become major commercial producers of ornamental plecos for the global aquarium trade, gold ring pattern and all.

Care level: Moderate · Temperament: Peaceful · Max size: ~6" · Min tank: 40 gal · Diet: Omnivore, algae wafers + occasional protein