Common Pleco

[morgan]

Hi, I have just been mooching about on another fish forum (not a member, just looking). Someone asked whether their Common/Sailfin Pleco needs any wood. He assumed that because he has never had any he doesn't need it! Other members assured the person that the Common/Sailfin Pleco definitely does not need wood. They are wrong aren't they? (Mine has a large piece of Mopani). If they are wrong that's fairly appalling isn't it? Poor Pleco.

 

[Cheese Specialist]

Well, lots of plecs like to munch on wood but as far as I am aware it is not strictly need for the common, clowns are a different matter. However, they do like it to sit on and hide under and when they are smaller they'll eat algae off it.

Oh and btw as far as I know, mopani is useless for wood eating plecs because of it being sandblasted and smooth. They can't rasp it but it is good for the other uses.

 

[Tokis-Phoenix]

As far as im aware, wood in not an important part of the common plec lifestyle or diet, BUT, the tannins that bogwood often releases when first introduced into the aquarium are often very beneficial for many catfish like plecs as they have antibacterial qualitys.
Good diet and lots of cover for common plecs is more important though when it comes down to it, make sure the common plec is getting enough protein in its diet as they go off eating algae as they mature and they diet becomes more high protein orientated to fuel the plecs large growing body .

 

[morgan]

Thanks. I was sure they needed wood, I must be thinking of other Plecos (plus I have a very bad memory). I don't have any other Plecos. He uses it as a hiding place, which is essential for him. Sometimes he accidentally traps the Apple Snail under there. I have seen arguments on other forums where some people say they do need it and some are equally sure they don't. I take your word for it though.

 

[Squirrelbuddies]

.... make sure the common plec is getting enough protein in its diet as they go off eating algae as they mature and they diet becomes more high protein orientated to fuel the plecs large growing body .

What sources of protein do you feed your commons? I've tried shrimp pellets - but the congo tetras steal them. Things like fresh or frozen brine shrimp and dried bloodworm never make it to the bottom of the tank...and he won't feed at the top.

What about frozen prawns? I'm thawing some right now for my dinner. I could take one of the smaller ones and anchor it to the bottom of the tank. Are prawns/shrimp ok to feed to plecs? (he's 5 inches)

 

[lilmolly]

I never heard of anyone saying the "need" wood. I've only heard that it is beneficial to have it.