Well hubby call this fish "the cleaning guy". We have this guy for almost 2 years now and he hasn't changed a bit. I can't recall his original size. I am glad though because usually they don't last long in my aquarium.
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The suckermouth catfish or Hypostomus plecostomus, is a tropical fish belonging to the armored catfish family, named for the armor-like longitudinal rows of scutes that cover the upper parts of the head and body (the lower surface of head and abdomen is naked). Although the name Hypostomus plecostomus is often used to refer to Common plecos sold in aquarium shops, most are actually members of other genera.
In the Philippines, in the aquarium trade, it is called the janitor fish. The suckermouth catfish is named for its sucker-like mouth, which allows it to adhere to a surface, as well as to hold and rasp at food. These fish are sold when they are young and small but they can grow to be a maximum size of over a foot to around 50 cm or so.
Suckermouth catfish are of little or no value as a food fish, although they are at least occasionally consumed over their native range. However, they are of great value in the aquarium trade in the United States.
(look who's hiding!)
In the Philippines, in the aquarium trade, it is called the janitor fish. The suckermouth catfish is named for its sucker-like mouth, which allows it to adhere to a surface, as well as to hold and rasp at food. These fish are sold when they are young and small but they can grow to be a maximum size of over a foot to around 50 cm or so.
