Peppermint Plecostamus

[mork]

I've returned to the hobby after a break of 20 years or so, and I guess I have to learn all over again and a lot of new stuff too. I have bought a 78 litre tank and I am gradually building up the stock. I wish I had found this site first!!

I have 4 pearl danios, 2 corys, 4 otos and a peppermint plecostamus. I bought the plec from World of Water (a national chain) and the assistants seemed helpful and knowledgeable. The plec is no more than 5 cms long at present and the label on the tank showed a maximum size of 15cms. I have two concerns

Do you think that they misrepresented the maximum size, so that it will outgrow my tank? Secondly, I have not seen this fish for some days now. I bought it about 2 weeks ago, and initially it fixed itself to the aquarium glass but then took up home inside a synthetic hollow log which is in the centre of the tank. For a couple of days after it did this I could see it resting in one of the hollow branches, but no sign since.

There doesn't seem much point having a fish you never see, but I am more concerned about its welfare. I am putting in an algae wafer each night and also some cucumber/courgette but this is also being eaten by the corys & ottos.

Is this normal behaviour for this type of fish? When I last had a plec it was always out and about in the tank!! I would appreciate your comments

 

[kribensis12]

What are your water stats? pleco's in my oppinion are naturally shy, and nocturnal. Did you cycle first? Welcome to the forum!

 

[mork]

Thanks for the reply and for the welcome! Yes, I did cycle first
pH is about 8.0 , ammonia less than 0.1mg/litre, nitrite 0.0/l, and nitrate less than 12.5mg/litre
All of my other fish appear fine & eating well. I'm concerned about the plec as I don't know whether he is eating or not

 

[mork]

I've returned to the hobby after a break of 20 years or so, and I guess I have to learn all over again and a lot of new stuff too. I have bought a 78 litre tank and I am gradually building up the stock. I wish I had found this site first!!

I have 4 pearl danios, 2 corys, 4 otos and a peppermint plecostamus. I bought the plec from World of Water (a national chain) and the assistants seemed helpful and knowledgeable. The plec is no more than 5 cms long at present and the label on the tank showed a maximum size of 15cms. I have two concerns

Do you think that they misrepresented the maximum size, so that it will outgrow my tank? Secondly, I have not seen this fish for some days now. I bought it about 2 weeks ago, and initially it fixed itself to the aquarium glass but then took up home inside a synthetic hollow log which is in the centre of the tank. For a couple of days after it did this I could see it resting in one of the hollow branches, but no sign since.

There doesn't seem much point having a fish you never see, but I am more concerned about its welfare. I am putting in an algae wafer each night and also some cucumber/courgette but this is also being eaten by the corys & ottos.

Is this normal behaviour for this type of fish? When I last had a plec it was always out and about in the tank!! I would appreciate your comments

Panic over - he suddenly appeared this morning for a couple of minutes