LIfespan of common plecos?

[The Zigman]

Well I think my old Pleco is going to die. I have had it for maybe 5-6 years now, he's about a foot long.

he just kinda lays around, not doing much anymore... Kinda lethargic you could say. Anyway, what is the expected lifespan on the common pleco ?

is this a senoir citizen, or is he still a young pup?

 

[Eupterus]

Plecos are fairly long lived fish and can live twenty yrs.
So five yrs is not much unless someone else had this pleco before you and the the pleco was already an adult.

 

[The Zigman]

hmm he hasnt moved all day.
Looks fine.

All other fish are fine.
Water params are good
A-0
Ite 0
Ate 20 ish..

 

[jpappy789]

From what I've seen the larger species tend to get less active as they age. A lot live past 10 years.

 

[rainbowcharmer]

I had a 19" common pleco that was about 6 years old when I re-homed him to a bigger tank with someone else. He did a lot of lying around and not moving as he got older and larger. He'd have moments of bursts of speed across the tank and then settle in for a few hours of non-movement. They're definitely not a species that spends a lot of time on the go.

 

[pinkertd]

I think 10-15 years is not unheard of. Maybe he's just liking being a lazy bum today.

 

[The Zigman]

Maybe, He has been unusually active lately

 

[GEV83]

Most "common" plecos get lazy as they get bigger. I know my pleco likes to just stay motionless alot and then at times is more active then everyone else minus the Giant Danios who never stay still. Its normal. Also like stated "commons" easily reach the age of 15 but can live passed the age of 20. They are long lived fish.

 

[excuzzzeme]

20 inches is a common adult length and also 20+ years is the expected average life span. Some will live longer and some a bit less but they all seem to exceed 15 years.

As they age they do become less active as others have stated.