Pleco for Sale

The Fish Collection's pleco collection features the most coveted species and variants of the family Loricariidae — the armored catfish of South America that have become some of the most prized fish in the freshwater aquarium hobby. Far beyond the common pleco found at big-box pet stores, our inventory showcases true collector-grade specimens: the legendary Zebra Pleco (L046) with its striking black-and-white banding, the brilliantly patterned Snowball Pleco (L201), the massive and majestic Royal Pleco (L190) with its intricate maze-like markings, the vivid orange and black of the Cactus Pleco (L177), and the rare Blue Phantom Pleco (L128) with its ethereal blue-grey coloration. Each pleco we sell is individually evaluated for pattern quality, body condition, and feeding response. Pleco care requirements vary dramatically by species. The Zebra Pleco is a shy, carnivorous cave-dweller that thrives in a 30-gallon tank with warm water between 82 and 86 degrees Fahrenheit, strong flow, and a diet of frozen bloodworms and protein-rich pellets. The Royal Pleco, by contrast, is a wood-eating herbivore that requires driftwood in its tank as both a food source and shelter, prefers slightly cooler water, and can grow to over 16 inches in a 125-gallon or larger setup. We provide species-specific care sheets with every order to ensure your pleco thrives from day one. Every pleco in our inventory is quarantined for a minimum of fourteen days upon arrival. During quarantine we treat prophylactically for the bacterial infections and internal parasites that commonly accompany wild-caught Loricariidae, and we transition each fish to a reliable captive diet. Plecos are shipped in oversized bags with foam-lined inner packaging to protect their armored scutes and prevent injury during transit. Each order ships overnight in temperature-controlled, insulated containers with our 100% live arrival guarantee. Whether you are seeking a rare L-number for your collection or a showpiece pleco for a planted display, The Fish Collection delivers verified-quality specimens to your door.

Häufig gestellte Fragen

How are plecos shipped safely?
Each pleco is shipped in an oversized bag with foam-lined inner packaging to protect their armored bodies and prevent abrasion during transit. The bag is placed inside an insulated container with oxygenated water and a heat or cold pack calibrated to current weather conditions. We ship overnight express only. Sensitive species like the Zebra Pleco receive extra water volume and extended oxygen saturation to ensure pristine conditions upon arrival.
Does the live arrival guarantee cover plecos?
Yes. Every pleco we sell — from a Zebra Pleco to a Royal Pleco — is covered by our unconditional 100% live arrival guarantee. If your pleco does not arrive alive and in good health, we will replace it with an equivalent specimen or issue a full refund. Photograph the fish in the unopened bag within two hours of delivery and contact our team.
How should I acclimate a pleco after delivery?
Float the sealed bag in your tank for 15 to 20 minutes to equalize temperature. Open the bag and drip-acclimate by adding small amounts of tank water over 30 to 45 minutes. Plecos from warm-water habitats such as the Zebra Pleco benefit from an extended 60-minute drip phase to gradually adjust to your tank's parameters. Dim the lights for the first 12 hours and provide hiding spots — most plecos are nocturnal and will settle more quickly when caves or driftwood shelters are available.
Are rare plecos legal to own in all US states?
The pleco species we sell are legal to own in all fifty US states. Loricariidae are widely kept ornamental fish with no CITES restrictions or federal endangered-species designations affecting the species in our inventory. Some species like the Zebra Pleco (L046) are export-restricted from Brazil, but captive-bred specimens and legally imported individuals are fully legal to buy and own in the United States.

Lebendankunft garantiert

Jeder Fisch, jede Bestellung. Keine Ausnahmen.

Kostenloser Overnight-Versand

Temperaturkontrollierter, isolierter Transport.

Expertenbetreuung

Ongoing care guidance from our aquarists.

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