Defensive Pleco

[Squash]

Hey guys! New poster, and I need some online help and after looking around a bit, this seemed like the best place to get it. I have a Pleco in my 70 Gallon tank, it's the only Pleco, and it gets along fine with most of the other fish. Except a few weeks ago we had a Dojo Loach, and one night I found the Loach dead, and the Pleco majorly going to town on the Loach's head. I figured it might of been more innocent than foul play, since the Loach is an algae eater after all, maybe it tastes like Algae...

Well, now there's a Ropefish in the tank, and whenever he gets anywhere near the Pleco, the Pleco chases the Ropefish around, and if he catches him, gives his tail and midsection a good sucking, it definately isn't friendly. Is this regular behavior? Should I be worried for the Ropefish? Is there anything I can do?

 

[burnt]

he just given the ropefish rasberry kisses

 

[FishGeek]

Your Pleco sounds to be defendig his territory. He may not allow other bottom dwelling fish live in your tank. But: What kind of Pleco is it?? How big is he?? And how is your tank set up?? Are there multiple caves and crevises to hide in??

 

[d3sc3n7]

I've had a defensive pleco, well I still do I guess. He's very defensive over the area he is in at the time, not really the whole tank. I feed him algae wafers off and on. 1 of my goldfish is a fatty and will try to eat your finger if you put it in the tank. So, the goldie always goes after the wafers when I put it in. Once my pleco gets ahold of it, he will chase off anyone who tries to get a bite.

But, as far as attacking others, not so much.