Pleco Vs. Cichlids.

[piranha_tim]

So a few days ago I bought a Pleco (The kind I have no idea I am told its a Bushy but it looks like a whip tail without the length of tail?) Anyways ...

So the tank mates are 4 convicts (only 1 male) and 6 Tiger Barbs.

I have had 0 problems of aggression.

Until Pleco comes in.

He can't stop trying swimming into the spawning pits of the convicts. (I assume to eat the eggs)

Which even though surprisingly tolerate male jumps to action and makes sure he gets out of there.

But he won't just leave. The male (convict) flys in raises fins and angry and the Pleco instead of leaving (as I expected) Only raises fins.

The Pleco is left alone other then this behavior in fact I seen the pleco rest 1/2 foot away from the spawning pit and although the male watches no action is taken.

fins (Pleco) are looking a little tattered.
I am assuming once the eggs are hatched the behavour will stop? (I have made an effort to provide other hiding spots as an alternative to the spawning pit)
Also
I am trying to feed the Pleco staple veggie pelettes for the time being. (Until I can get some plant anchors to keep the veg down to the bottom) But the male convict catches it and takes it to the spawning pit so not entirely sure how to feed the poor pleco

 

[Corleone]

Bristlenose love eggs, mine was bold enough to swim into the cave when my keyholes were in the process of spawning. They can take a good beating, but I don't know how they stand up to the likes of convicts.

For feeding, stick a fork through a slice of zucchini or cucumber to weigh it down. It'll work in place of weights or clips.