Can sucker fish live in salt water?

Suckermouth catfish, commonly known as plecos, are strictly freshwater fish not capable of surviving in saltwater environments. They require specific water parameters including ideal PH level, temperature, and hardness range which are exclusive to freshwater sources. Their osmoregulatory system adapted to process freshwater and would fail to efficiently handle salt water chemistry. Thus, sucker fish or plecos should be kept in well-maintained freshwater aquariums within ideal parameters for optimum health and survival.