Gibbiceps And Chinese Algae Eater

[Wishful]

Hi all

When we were novice keepers a while ago, we were 'missold' two fish, a Gibbiceps Pleco (we were told they don't get too large) and a Chinese Algae Eater (as an Oto).

We have them in two different tanks currently, the CAE is in our newer big tank and the Pleco (I'm vastly ashamed to say) in our much smaller original tank. Our LFS has agreed to take the CAE, if and when we can catch him, but I'm absolutely desperate to move the Pleco. While extraordinarily healthy, he is way too big for the tank he's in.

If we were to move the Pleco into the big tank before we manage to catch the CAE, would they be able to live side by side for a while? Has anyone any experience of this? The CAE has been responsible for the demise of most of the other algae eaters we've had - 6 Otos and another CAE that we bought at the same time - also as an Oto and chases the other fish in the tank.

Any advice would be gratefully received, as we're going to have a hard time catching him, he's very shy and the tank is very deep!

 

[lilfishie]

no idea on living together but, i used to catch my plecos by adding a glass jar with there favourite food in then its just a matter of waiting, letting them go in and quickly putting the net over the open end

 

[Wishful]

Thanks for that advice lilfishie.

I'm hoping we won't have too much trouble catching the Plec as he's quite gentle and we can get to the whole tank that he's in. I'll have to see if we've got a jar big enough for him! His name is Toulouse by the way - Toulouse LePlec

Our LFS did suggest for the CAE, that we use a lemonade bottle and cut the top off just enough so that he can get in and put food in there. I think the principle is that he'll find it difficult to turn around and come out before we can get the bottle out of the tank or put something over the end. We're a bit worried about the sharp edge of the bottle, but thought we might cut a little air tube down the side and slide that over the edge of the bottle. Whether it'll work or not I just don't know. We need to pick a time when we can dedicate a few hours to it, just in case he doesn't play ball, and take him straight to the LFS to minimise stress. Hence the question as to whether we would be risking the health of our lovely Gibby in the meantime.

All the best

 

[dipsydoodlenoodle]

I'm hoping we won't have too much trouble catching the Plec as he's quite gentle and we can get to the whole tank that he's in. I'll have to see if we've got a jar big enough for him! His name is Toulouse by the way - Toulouse LePlec

Lol I had to reply to that...I love the logic for the name .I usually chose my pet names using the same logic hehehe.

 

[KittyKat]

By the way, it is always advisable to NOT use nets for catching plecos as they can get easily tangled. Most of my plecos which are over 4", I catch them by hand.. in short, this involves holding them firmly around the base of the body (just before the tail) with one hand, and underneath and on top of the head with the other hand. A glass jar would also work well.

 

[Wishful]

Thank you DipsyDoodleNoodle - I rather like your name too!

Kitty Kat - thanks - I did know about the nets. If the jar doesn't work, I have a good friend that used to work in a fish shop many years ago and is more than happy to get to grips with dear old Toulouse!

 

[Wishful]

Really appreciate the 'moving' advice received so far, but has anyone any idea whether this Chinese Algae Eater will turn into a Toulouse eater if we home them together until the CAE can be caught and moved on?

Thanks

 

[KittyKat]

He shouldn't do, although there is no accounting for individual tempers.. at least be ready with something anti-fin rot.

 

[Wishful]

He shouldn't do, although there is no accounting for individual tempers.. at least be ready with something anti-fin rot.

That's interesting - what is he likely to do to him? I guess that's what I'm most unsure of. I've heard that they 'latch on' to other fish or something. Would Toulouse' size make a difference - he must be four times the size of the CAE?

 

[KittyKat]

Because plecos are armoured, their most vulnerable parts are their fins. The algae eater could try to pick at the tail or dorsal of the pleco (I have seen some bad tempered fish do this).

 

[fishnovice]

Don't risk poor Toulouse being injured. CAE are prety nasty and yours has a criminal record for murder! Easiest way to catch an elusive fish is to drain off 70% of tank water and remove all wood and ornaments so it has nowhere to hide. Catchng it should then be fairly easy - works with tetra that are notoriously hard to catch. As for Toulouse, yes hand catching is the best way with large plecs but be prepared to get soaked!

 

[Wishful]

Thanks for the advice fishnovice, I don't think I do want to risk Toulouse getting injured. LOL at the CAE's criminal record! Given what Kitty Kat said about his fins, I would worry that if it did decide to go for him, it might be too difficult to get it out before he caused too much damage.

As to catching the CAE, we'll try the bottle trick first. We've just done a huge amount of work to the 330l tank as we had a nitrate problem in there, so taking out 70% of the water again is not an enticing prospect.

I'll give it a go in a couple of days to see how I fare. Watch this space...

Thanks so much for the help so far.

 

[Wishful]

Well, the bottle is in the tank, complete with luscious cucumber and.....the CAE is staying firmly under his log! This is gonna take a while.... *lurking round the tank*