Plecos are often purchased as living aquarium scrub brushes. A customer sees algae, brings home a small sucker-mouthed catfish, and expects it to clean the tank while surviving on whatever it finds. That plan overlooks one important detail: a pleco is an animal, not maintenance equipment. Different pleco species vary considerably in adult size, diet, behavior, and water requirements. Choosing the right one begins with learning exactly which pleco is being sold.

Dallas North Aquarium has served North Texas aquarium keepers for over 3 decades. Located in Carrollton, the store carries freshwater fish, saltwater livestock, corals, plants, aquariums, equipment, food, and water-care products. Some customers arrive with a detailed stocking plan. Others walk in holding a jar of cloudy tank water and hoping for answers. Both are welcome.