It’s been years since I’ve tried to keep fish, but I’m not sure I’d recommend Plecos for a newbie. They can live a long time and it’s easy to underestimate just how big they get (between 15 and 24in). Realistically, you can technically put them in a small tank while they’re little, but they really should go into a large (80+ gallon) tank. They can also have a tendency to get more aggressive as they get older/ bigger.
Plecos are pretty easy to keep, but definitely something of a commitment. So, like most fish, it’s best to know what you’re getting into before you toss it in a tank and see what happens.
Source: was young, dumb, and thought putting a pleco in the tank would keep it clean and mostly just ended up with too big a fish in too small a tank with no real way to get rid of it. Also, this website to refresh my memory.
Yeah, I can believe it. I imagine it’s less direct damage and more being able to outcompete native species for resources like food or space. Plus they’re probably tougher to prey on.
I lost control of my tank (went off to college and couldn’t be around to actively maintain the tank + didn’t know what I was doing) and mine ended up dying.