Plecostomus

The Plecostomus or Pleco is a general name for a type of nocturnal freshwater tropical fish belonging to the Armored Catfish family (Loricariidae). The name is derived from the species known as the Suckermouth Catfish (Hypostomus plecostomus), however, it has since been applied to any of a large number of species that have a similar shape, but vary widely in terms of maximum length, coloration, and certain body features such as the "horns" on the Bristlenose Catfish. Plecos, such as the Common Plecos, are extremely popular in aquaria for its ability to clean tanks of algae.