Do Plecs Brearthe Air?

[fishnovice]

I know they are not like betta and gourami but can/do plecs breathe air? I've seen mine do this several times. The first time my L001 did this a few months ago I was worried there might be insuficient oxygen in the water though his cichlid tankmates did not come to the surface. My water stats were fine so I put in an airstone overnight just in case there was a lack of oxygen.He's done this several times since,maybe 1-2 times a week. It's funny to watch a big,clumsy fish suddenly make a dash for the surface with fins flapping, like an elephant doing a 100yard sprint!
Now I've seen my common plec gulp air from the surface. Again other fish in its tank don't do this. definitely not lack of oxygen as my filter pump has a spraybar attachment which produces lots of surface motion and bubbles.

 

[rdp50734]

They use it to aid digestion I believe!

 

[fishnovice]

So it's normal behaviour? Very relieved. Plecs are funny creatures. I love mine, wish I had room for more. Pity most of them grow too big.

 

[matubula]

Its a behavioural adaptation like Anabantoids (bettas and gouramis) but I dont think they have a 'labyrinth' organ as such. I think its confined to the Pterygoplichthys genus, like your L001. Ive seen my P. gibbiceps do it often.

 

[fishnovice]

Its a behavioural adaptation like Anabantoids (bettas and gouramis) but I dont think they have a 'labyrinth' organ as such. I think its confined to the Pterygoplichthys genus, like your L001. Ive seen my P. gibbiceps do it often.

That's fascinating,wonder how they do it? I'll look it up on the internet.My common plec does this too, not sure if commons are a G species?

 

[hay13]

my bristlenose plec does it as well i didnt think they did either but she does it quite often