Gold nugget pleco

[Robder]

I bought one. She's a beauty.

Unfortunately, she's also gone into hiding - which is fine I guess, as she's not there for my entertainment.

I have a 3d background, which houses my filter, so I suspect she's found a way in because it's cave-like and also darker (the Juwel light is a bit bright and may need replacing but that's another story).

Questions on this:
1. Do I assume she's ok? I'm concerned she's not getting any food having found her way back there - although don't want to go hunting and disturb her because it could increase stress levels.
2. OK to get another pleco? It's a very large tank. Are they likely to fight if so?

 

[Goose3080]

I bought one. She's a beauty.

Unfortunately, she's also gone into hiding - which is fine I guess, as she's not there for my entertainment.

I have a 3d background, which houses my filter, so I suspect she's found a way in because it's cave-like and also darker (the Juwel light is a bit bright and may need replacing but that's another story).

Questions on this:
1. Do I assume she's ok? I'm concerned she's not getting any food having found her way back there - although don't want to go hunting and disturb her because it could increase stress levels.
2. OK to get another pleco? It's a very large tank. Are they likely to fight if so?

She'll come out and investigate soon enough, most of the fish I add to my tank go into hiding for a day or 2.

My Bristlenose is still a baby and has become somewhat aggressive towards my African black dwarf frog, they are meant to be both non aggressive, but if they cross each others paths, the pleco has a go at the frog, they tend to avoid each other now, this is in a 4 foot 240 litre tank, so not a small tank, so be careful.

 

[Slaphppy7]

@Boundava has some experience with this

Fish can get trapped and die behind 3D backgrounds; hopefully not the case with yours

 

[Robder]

Ah ok - maybe I should get behind there and move her out in that case? Consensus view?

 

[Slaphppy7]

I would have a look, yes...is the 3D BG sealed to the tank on all edges?

 

[Robder]

Kinda - or I thought so anyway. The buggers always find a way in don't they?

 

[Slaphppy7]

Kinda - or I thought so anyway. The buggers always find a way in don't they?

Yes, they do...plecs are especially notorious for digging into spots they shouldn't be in, lol

 

[Robder]

Hmmm - just had a good look with a torch. Can't see her anywhere behind there.

Suggestions welcome as she's been gone for days now. Looked under all these (hollow) rocks also = nowhere to be found.

I guess I'll have to leave it.

 

[Slaphppy7]

Check at nighttime, they're nocturnal, and most active then...hope you find her

 

[Robder]

OK - I hadn't seen her once so I decided to remove the 3d backdrop. As suspected, there she was in a dark crevice inside the backdrop, near the filter.

Would she have died without interference? I'll never know. It's impossible to know if there was a way out into the main area of the tank. I suspect they're more intelligent than we give them credit for though.
Have I stressed the poor thing? Probably...but still, she's very much alive.

I'll put the backdrop back in again at the end of the month.

 

[Ichthys]

If it can get in it can probably get out again.

 

[Ichthys]

Gold Nuggets are very territorial. It might be peaceful towards a herbivorous plec that isn’t competing much for food, but it’s likely to not get on well with another carnivorous plec.

 

[Slaphppy7]

Be sure every inch of that 3D BG edge is sealed to the tank, or it will happen again

 

[Robder]

Gold Nuggets are very territorial. It might be peaceful towards a herbivorous plec that isn’t competing much for food, but it’s likely to not get on well with another carnivorous plec.

Useful info - ta!

 

[Robder]

Be sure every inch of that 3D BG edge is sealed to the tank, or it will happen again

That's a toughie - these manufacturers don't make it easy, but I'll try.