Pleco Compatibility

[money-pit!]

I have a what I believe to be a Smoky Peckoltia (L009) that has been living with convicts and convict parrots for quite some time now. It has never been harassed by them and always remains to itself under a piece of driftwood.

Planetcatfish describes this species to be a meat eater. Can anyone tell me if this fish would be compatible with fancy goldfish? Since it is not an effective algae eater, then technically, I wouldn't have to worry about this guy hitching a ride on the slime coat of my fish correct?

 

[brian1973]

No it wouldnt...goldfish are coldwater fish (NO HEATER NEEDED) Pleco's are tropical so they need tropical temps. I guess I should ask are you heating your goldfish tank? and if you are what tmp range is it in.

I just asked a similar question on plecofantics.com a couple days ago because I was interested in using a pleco to keep algea in check in my native tank whic is unheated.

 

[money-pit!]

Well, they are actually fancies and they require warmer temps, so I keep the water heated at 75.

 

[Pure]

Fancy or not your goldfish is still a carp requiring cold water. Not a suitable environment for a pleco.

The sucking of slimecoat doesn't have really much to do with being a herbivore or a carnivore. It has to do with a fish that is absolutely starving to death because it's inexperienced keeper isn't feeding it. It's normally not any plecos first choice as a means of sustenance. Fish usually don't sit still for them to eat off of them.