Will Plecos eat regular fish food? ( I give my fish flakes)?

Answer 1

No. Plecos have specific feeding requirements. You'll need to get them sinking algae pellets or wafers.

Then you want to feed them about 30 minutes after lights out in the tank.

I also suggest getting some driftwood as many plecos will feed off the driftwood.

Please don't listen to the people that say pleco's will eat anything, or that they eat poop. They do not. They are primarily vegeratians and the most common reason for them dying is malnutrition.

Answer 2

Pleco Fish Food

Answer 3

There are a number a different Pleco species in the aquarium. The so called common pleco is actually 3 different species. In general they are all scavengers that will eat nearly anything. Most need a fair amount of veggies, and/or roughage. Some species like the clown pleco like to chew on wood. So a piece of driftwood is a good idea. In large tanks with a single pleco the missed food, and algae may be enough. In smaller tanks, or with several pleco you will need to feed the pleco. Ideal foods are zucchini slices, sliced broccoli stems, fresh peeled peas, algae wafers, and sinking pellets. With fresh veggies keep in mind a pleco may prefer to let them soften a bit so give it 2 days before removing. Wafers, and pellets need to be added just before lights out. Also remember many fish like molly, guppy and the like need more veggies than meat.

How to tell if a pleco isn't getting enough food:
- He has hiding places, but he's out sucking on the glass, or decorations all the time in daylight.
- The glass is really clean
- At feeding time he's vacuuming the gravel for missed flakes

Answer 4

Plecos need algae, or other vegetation, but will eat some sinking fish food if they get the chance. More then likely flakes will never make it to the bottom unless your overfeeding in which case..your feeding too much..(smirk) If you dont have adequate algae growth, (which larger pleco dont seem to be as actively seeking the glass as smaller ones do) you can purchase the algae waffers. I like to give mine green leaf lettuce. NOT ICE BURG..it has no nutritional value. I also give the same green leaf lettuce to my salt tanks, as there are other algae eating fish who love it. If your other community fish find it intriguing, its actually good for them. Just make sure you wash it good before you put it into your tank. You can buy veggie clips at some of the petstores. If you cant find one, just put half of it under a large rock so it wont float away.

Answer 5

Maybe, but that's if the flakes go to the bottom and the other fish don't eat them first. You really should get some algae wafers since they need that in their diet and most tanks don't have enough algae on the glass for them.

Answer 6

They will scavenge,but will also prefer some nice algae wafers.My crawfish love em too,so there are never any leftovers.The above post about Plecos eating driftwood is incorrect.They dont eat it,they suck the wood to get the Tannic acid from it,it aids in digestion.

Answer 7

We have 2 Plecos who love to eat Algae Wafers. We get them at Pets Mart. Their favorite are Hikari Algae Wafers.

Answer 8

My algae eating fish does not eat food?

Answer 9

They will gravitate towards the flakes that are veggies. So you will have to supplement their diet with algae wafers.

Answer 10

I, nor anyone is expert on dietary supply's for your fish and value
any creatures life, therefore please ask this pertinant question to a Specialist in helping your little friend. The best you can do for him/her is Fish Store where they have them.

Good Luck,
diana d