Like everyone has said, small plecos are primarily vegetarians and eat lots of Algae. As they get bigger, they will also take fish eggs, small crustaceans, and dig like crazy. The San Marcos River is infested with them, as is the San Felipe Springs in Del Rio. I've also seen them in Amistad, Falcon, San Antonio River and various rio grande canals. They DO hurt native fish populations by competing for food with the bait fish that our bigger fish feed on. They are also known as armored catfish for a reason. Most larger fish will not feed on them Kill them when you catch them. DO NOT let them go.

Any pleco of that size sells for $10-40 at a local pet store (Fintique). Some take them on consignment (Texas Tropical & Marine).

Brackenridge park has had populations in the past. A good winter freeze will kill them all in all but the southernmost and power plant lakes.