Pleco Sitting Next To Thermostat

[laurac94]

Hi all,
I have a gold spot pleco currently about 5 inches long, I have noticed since I got it that it likes to sit really close, touching the thermostat. The temp of the tank is 26 degrees so I don't think he is cold

It is a very dark brown colour, and now has a white stripe down him which I guess is a burn because it sits there for hours on end, other than that his behaviour is normal.

Is sitting there normal behaviour?

 

[JonesyJ666]

im guessing the alge will build up quicker on the thermostat, so this could be providing a good supply of food?

 

[Axyadbad]

Get a positive I.D on the fish on here..that may explain the white stripe as I doubt the heater(I think you meant that) would have caused such a burn. I think some fish just find a spot and stick to it. My ottos love the thermometer and stay there for long periods. 

 

[laurac94]

Heres a pic, the white flaky bit on his side is the bit that is constantly against the heater

 

[laurac94]

Looks even worse today

 

[Axyadbad]

May be a bacterial infection or something..I'm new to fish keeping so can't advise properly. Post in the tropical fish emergency section and I'm sure you'll get some good answers on this great forum!

 

[cynic]

Plecs like heaters for whatever reason. Mine does too. They will also damage themselves in the process.

Thats why i bought heaters suitable for turtle/ terapin aquariums as they come with a plastic guard. He/she?,she i think.... still sits on or next to the heater but has come to no harm.

 

[N0body Of The Goat]

Looks a definite heat burn to me and this could become badly infected (the red bits on the white burn indicate something is already getting a hold IMO), into a quarantine tank with ~10-20% daily water changes and daily dosing of a general antibacterial med like Myxazin or Esha2000.

 

[nick1200]

You can buy heater guards to go onto the heater. I bought a 2ft common plec and when i went to sleep it got stuck behind the heater i woke up and my living room stunk because it died and carried on burning . So to stop it from happen again i looked around local pet shops and ebay an found some heater guards. Now i have 2 albino plecs with no problems
 
Here is a link to one