Pleco problem

[solmartin]

I've had a plec in my tank since last october, and oddly enough the thing is still about a half inch long, just like when I bought it!!! ARRRGH! why won't it grow

 

[jaywings19]

Not trying to put a damper on your post...
But I had an albino cory that was in the same situation. I brought 2 baby albino corys home at the same time (0.5" each). Within 3 months, one of them had grown 2-3 times it's original size. However, the other one stayed the exact same size despite normal behvior and appetite. Unfortunately, this "runt" died around the 3 month mark for no real apparent reason.

Just like humans, I guess there are fish with "birth defects." Perhaps your pl*co is in that situation.

I hope not for your (and its) sake, but just be aware that it might be true.

 

[noelberg]

I gotta say that in a 19 gallon tank you really don't want the plec to grow all that much. While half an inch isn't the best, it's better than the 18 inch alternative
Just putting a positive spin on the problem.

 

[plecoguy]

are you sure it is a pleco that is supposed to grow large? could it be a bristlenose, clown, rubbernose or somthing like that?

 

[silver]

A pleco only 1/2 an inch long and not growing at all in 6 MONTHS!!!!!!! That is abnormally strange. I'd LOVE to see pictures of this guy!! Could you post some please!




Silver

 

[Cheese Specialist]

A pleco only 1/2 an inch long and not growing at all in 6 MONTHS!!!!!!! That is abnormally strange. I'd LOVE to see pictures of this guy!! Could you post some please!




Silver

Why?

Some plecs are ickle. I agree with noelberg, depending on the type of plec I am not sure you wat him to grow TBH!!

 

[ryan]

As CS has said there are many varieties of slow growing small Plecs, I would guess that you have got yourself a little Clown Plec, mine has only ever reached 2 inches in several years, they also go for a very good price. Count yourself lucky that you haven't ended up with one of the gaints like the Gibbiceps or Common Plecs which would be over 6 inches by now and would reach 18-24.

 

[Perky]

Post pics and describe it so we can see. Is it black and white with whiskers? The stripes go horizontal along it. If it is it could be a Stripped Dora/Humbug Catfish/Stripped Talking Catfish. I have had one for 4 months and still no growth and he is in a 55 Gallon so no stopping him!

 

[Cheese Specialist]

Post pics and describe it so we can see. Is it black and white with whiskers? The stripes go horizontal along it. If it is it could be a Stripped Dora/Humbug Catfish/Stripped Talking Catfish. I have had one for 4 months and still no growth and he is in a 55 Gallon so no stopping him!

Talking catfish look nothing like plecs!!

I agree wth you though, if the species is unknown look on planet catfish or post a picture here and someone may be able to help.

 

[solmartin]

http/fish.orbust.net/forums/index.php?sh...pic=27404&st=0&

 

[mrV]

It's Otto (Otocinclus sp., seems to be O. hoppei, SL = 3,3cm ~ 1,3 inches)