Rubber Nose Pleco

[bsmall05]

This is my first real "fishy" post in MFT and I wanted to say hello! I have been to alot of fish forums online and this is by far the friendliest and, IMHO, the most informed without sounding too scientific. I know that I, as a new aquarist appreciate it! *thumbsups

Now for my question. I have a Rubber Nose Pleco that i have yet to see eat. I introduced him two weeks ago and all he does is lay in the sand and occasionally chase my dojo. I know that this isnt uncommon but the algea pellets are getting gross and end up making a mess in my tank. Should I only put half of a pellet? I dont think he is eating the sinking shrimp pellets either. I dont think he is starving, I just want to get rid of the mush. Thanks for any help/advice!

 

[MissFishy]

How long has your tank been set up? Is there any natural algae for him to eat?

 

[bsmall05]

the tank has been up for about a month and a half. there is no natural algae that i can see. thanks for the fast reply!

 

[MissFishy]

I think you should feed less often. Only try half a pellet every other day or even less often. Put it right by him or where he hangs out, if he isn't eating it, remove it within a couple hours. Have you seen him eating algae in the tank anywhere? I would be concerned if you think he isn't getting any food.

 

[bsmall05]

Thanks for your help! I feed the loaches shrimp pellets and I read that plecos eat those two. I just havnt seen him go after the food like the other fish do. Maybe I'll try some veggies, what do you suggest?

 

[FishGeek]

First off, Welcome. It takes a while for Plecos to settle in. Check his stomach and see if it is sunken in. If it is he isnt eating. Try feeding some frozen bloodworms, they are very tasty and entising (sp?). Wafers and Pellets arent always the best first foods. Before the fish is going to eat for you he must feel safe. Make sure there are plenty and plenty of places to hide. Also try feeding with the lights off. Another food that is very tasty for Plecos is a piece of cooked Zucchini. (Cook it till its almost see through) Only the inside of the zucchini will be eaten so make sure to remove the skin from the tank. Once you get him to eat once you shouldnt have a problem with him eating other foods. Good Luck and I hope that I helped.

 

[bsmall05]

Thanks for the advice, his stomach dosnt look sunken in. At the pet store these guys were on the glass, but my pleco (when the lights are on that is) is usually foun in or around the cave at the back of my tank, is that normal? Oh and I put in half of a algae pellet last night, turned off the light and two hours later it was gone!

 

[James From Cali]

Yes its normal for them to like caves. They are nocturnal and tend to be very shy around the day time.

 

[FishGeek]

Plecos are sensitive to light, which might be th reason that hides when the lights are on. I have a dim light on my tank for this reason. Im glad to hes eating.