I have a sailfin pleco that was normally very active. He would swim around sucking up bloodworms during feeding times and be all over the tank (55 gallons).
He has started to become lazy lately and just hangs out in one or two spots in the tank.
He's about 9 inches long, has good colour, and no nips or marks on him.
The water is good quality, nitrate, ammonia levels, temp and ph are normal.
Is it normal when they get bigger to be lethargic or is he unhappy/unhealthy?
2007-03-02 10:12:50 · 4 answers · asked by allyalexmch 6 in Pets ➔ Fish
Oh, I also supplement his diet with algae tabs every couple days
2007-03-02 10:13:17 · update #1
I am well aware that he will need a bigger tank, he will be accomodated; and he does have driftwood.
2007-03-02 10:44:28 · update #2
The early behavior sounds like a hungry pelco. Normally they like to sit around all day, and eat at night. When I see my pleco out during feeding time I know it's time to throw in some algae wafers, sliced broccoli stems, sinking pellets, or some crushed peas before lights out. Also he might benefit from some driftwood to chew on.
PS- A 55 gallon tank is a little small for a sailfin who could grow to 2 feet long.
2007-03-02 10:35:42 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Awesome cats, arent they? Your tank is getting a bit tight for him. I actually was in the same predicament a long time ago. 55g, 9", and gave him away, and 2 months later I got a 125 =(. Most the larger plecs will get "algea lazy" when they get around his size anyway, even though those Gibbys are great algea eaters on the way up. I would suggest you find him a larger home, and replace him with a bristlenose plec. I know its gonna be hard, as they are my favorite(prolly yours too), but its best for the fish. Otherwise use as an excuse to get a larger tank =). Remember he can hit 18". Even though I have 3- 125g's, I dont think I would get another until I get an 8' tank.Or try the L-001(plenetcatfish will have scientific name=joseline?), looks alot like the spotted sailfins, only grows to 8" or so.
2007-03-02 10:44:31 · answer #2 · answered by Steven N 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Sailfins are beautiful! I wish I could keep one! Plecos are nocturnal animals, which means that they sleep/rest during the day and are most active at night. Trying to keep him active during the day would be like someone trying to keep waking you up all night long. If he was active before, it was most likely because he was still getting used to his surroundings. Now that he has officially "moved in," he's settling down to his normal routine. If you turned off all the lights at night and watched him in the dark, you would probably see a very different acting guy. Just give him lots of plants and logs and caves to hide in. He seems fine.
2007-03-02 10:49:34 · answer #3 · answered by Venice Girl 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Pleco are normally lethargic. I've had several and they generally hide away during the day, but become active at night when the lights go out.
2007-03-02 10:20:36 · answer #4 · answered by Mighty C 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋