Common Pleco Might Be A Bully

[Durbkat]

I have a common pleco in a long 20g with 2 long finned and 3 regular finned black tetras and I know about the size of common plecos and I have a plan once he gets to big. Anyway I noticed today that the tetras are pale as they normally since their is not enough of them but will be getting more soon but whenever the pleco came out he came towards them and they ran away and he would be out and they would all go hide in the same corner behind a big plant until he goes back to his spot in the back of the tank then they would come back out but only stay in one spot of their choice in the tank and when he came back out he would start coming towards them and they would once again go back to hiding in the corner. Is he a tank bully or are the tetras just scared of his size or will this stop once I get more tetras? Thanks in advance for all advice.

 

[Tokis-Phoenix]

The common plec will not bully the tetras, they are only midly terotorial towards other plecs of similar size, the common plec is more than likely just trying to stretch his fins a bit as the tank is quite small, but you already knew that.

 

[Durbkat]

Thanks. But why do the tetras seem to be scared of him?

 

[Angel Lady]

A 20 gallon tank is not bigger enough for that pleco. I had to move mine they grow almost 24 inches. Which I have two already that size and they still are growing. But the pleco will not bother the tetras. If you had two plecos you might see some fighting or even bulling.

 

[Durbkat]

I have a common pleco in a long 20g with 2 long finned and 3 regular finned black tetras and I know about the size of common plecos and I have a plan once he gets to big. Anyway I noticed today that the tetras are pale as they normally since their is not enough of them but will be getting more soon but whenever the pleco came out he came towards them and they ran away and he would be out and they would all go hide in the same corner behind a big plant until he goes back to his spot in the back of the tank then they would come back out but only stay in one spot of their choice in the tank and when he came back out he would start coming towards them and they would once again go back to hiding in the corner. Is he a tank bully or are the tetras just scared of his size or will this stop once I get more tetras? Thanks in advance for all advice.

I already said I had a plan (see above post) Well he is chasing them around alittle bit.

 

[WILDER]

That typical tetra behaviour so i wouldn' worry about it, once they feel safe in a tank, they don't do much, but they shoal alot when they feel threatened.

 

[Durbkat]

Oh ok. So you think they will stop being afraid of the pleco and regain their color and start to swim more once I get more of them this friday?

 

[WILDER]

Yes as they are very jumpy when not in big groups, i would get some quick as being pale is stress, and stress can cause desease and death.