Observed in Nittedal, Norway

Many people call them “pleco” in everyday life!

In practice, there is a slight difference in how the terms are used:

“Pleco” as a collective term: In English (and often in everyday speech), “pleco” is used as a common name for almost all suckerfish in this family (Loricariidae). Ancistrus is often called “Bristlenose Pleco” there.

True Pleco (Hypostomus plecostomus): This is a separate species that is often sold as tiny juveniles in pet stores, but lacks the whiskers/spikes on its snout. And most importantly: A true pleco grows up to 30–50 cm long and quickly outgrows regular aquariums, while an Ancistrus like the one in the picture stops at around 10–15 cm.

So if you have one with whiskers in your aquarium, you have the “practical” variant that stays at a manageable size!