Bn Pleco Behavior

[nadajdui]

Tank: 33 gallons
Nitrites: 0.2 (Slowly on the verge of finally leaving. Bah)
Ammonia: 0
pH: 7.2
Water: Very soft
Fish: 5 corydoras catfish, 1 BN Pleco, 4 zebra danios, 1 longfin blue danio

All right, so today I'm looking at my tank, enjoying it. And suddenly my BN Pleco rushes up to the surface for a gulp of air. I'm a little worried at this point. Then she does it a few more times. Hmm...well, there's good filtration, and the water is down a small amount from the top to create a sort of 'waterfall' effect because I know she likes the current. I put in a bubble rod today, and put it on low. I can't say whether she does this on a regular basis or not, as I rarely see her out and about. Anyone have any ideas? Is this normal or not?

 

[dylema]

I have seen my bristle noses do this before, I am sure it is not a lack of oxygen thing as my tank is really well airated. I don't know what it is but I think it might be a behaviour thing not an illness thing. They did it more when they were smaller. My water stats are usually excelent and they still sometimes do it. My dominant Boy gets funny if I turn the powerhead off and he swims more toward the surface. If you find out what it is all about I would love to know.

 

[nadajdui]

Hmm, all right. Well, I hope everything is all right with my girl. After she did it about 5 or 6 times during the span of 10 minutes or so yesterday, I didn't see her do it again. Hmm, another thing to research. If I find out what it is I will post it here.

 

[nadajdui]

Here is what I've found so far. This is a good site, and the info on air gulping is near the middle of the page, maybe a little lower.
http/www.fishpondinfo.com/pleco.htm
And here is a good blurb on it in a forum at planetcatfish.com
http/www.planetcatfish.com//forum/viewto...5&view=previous

So that means, there is nothing to worry about unless they do it over and over and over again, and don't stop. Then it might be an aeration problem. Otherwise, just sit and back and enjoy your plecs.

 

[dylema]

Thanks for those links I will have a look soon.

 

[BigIan]

my common plec did this the other day aswell i was a little worried but no other fish were topping and my corsy normaly do it for fun anay way, no one else was breathing heavily,
and he hasnt done it since so i left him to it..