Pleco + Acei problem [Archive]

View Full Version : Pleco + Acei problem

03-17-2003, 10:04 AM

Hello all,

Just looking for a bit of advice. I've got a pair of acie about 2 and half inchs each. Recently i noticed that the both had injuries and asumed the were doing it to each other as they chase each other now and then.

One night i was watching the fish. They both seem to hang around the top of the tank. So my pleco (sailfin 4 incher) swam up to one of them. Then he started sucking onto the side of the fish!! But the strange thing is the fish didnt try to get away. He curves his body (like displaying) and the pleco has a go at him. I've seen this a few times now. My acei is starting to look battered up.

What do i do apart from break it up when i see them? The pleco doesnt do it to anyone else, only the 2 acei.

Any thoughts or concerns?

Thanks

DG

03-20-2003, 12:08 AM

So is my pleco just being a git? Anyway i've seen him steal food from my sucking loach as well (6-7 incher). I think he's just a bully.

SGypsyMermaid

03-20-2003, 01:42 PM

i've heard of chinese algae eaters sucking the slime coat off of other fish--maybe that's what the pleco is doing? i would separate them; it can't be anything good that he's doing.

03-20-2003, 01:53 PM

Hi,

I cant imagine the pleco being hungry because i feed him (+ other bottom feeders) with algea wafers and catfish pellets. Also i dont have another tank to put him in.

One of the other fish has taken it out on the pleco. A large part of his tail fin was missing and a chunk of his dorsal if has also gone.

merlyn2221

03-21-2003, 09:01 PM

I had an experience with my former 10" pleco that blew my mind, and totally changed my feelings about them.

First he badgered the other 8" pleco constanly, next he bullied my tetras, finally he ate an entire school of 8 Cardinal neons in one night. I gave him away right after that.

An old timer at my lfs told me if they can get their mouth on it, they'll eat it.
Just something to consider.

It basically sounds like he's slowly digesting this fish from the outside in.
Eeeewwwww! :shock:

04-01-2003, 08:21 AM

I was at the 'London Aquarium' the other day. They've got this one massive tank with piranhas the size of dinner plates. I was having a look inside and noticed on the floor a pleco the size of my arm munching on one of these piranhas. It made me laugh but i also wondered why the other piranhas didnt eat it first.

Yep, nasty characters some of these 'peaceful' plecos can be :):sygypsy: this pic sums up my pleco :)