Dying Pleco

[sami]

My pleco has gone funny... he is floating midway in water and tail has gone limp. He is the sole fish in the aquarium and quite big. I tried him on bogwood to eat but i don't think that it has helped. What should i do?
He is still breathing but slowly... i think it's the end of the road for him, any ideas?

 

[timmystood]

OK, it might not be too late for him but we need to try and figure out what has gone wrong. Do you know how old he is? The problem is the Plec species grow fast so size isn't really a good indication into his age.
Do you test your tank water? If so, what are the Ammonia and Nitrite readings? - This maybe the problem.
Has Mr. Plec got plenty of swimming room? Sometimes they can get upset if they don't get enough room to swim!
Try feeding him some algae wafers or cucumber weighed down with something.. don't try and watch him eat as Plecs are nervous.. turn off the light and leave him to eat for 3-4 hours.

Let me know how it turns out.
Hope this helps
TIM