Plecs Fighting?

[abbsy5]

Hi there.

Me and my partner have 2 plecs that are just over a year old. They have recently (2 months) been moved into a much larger tank (we were silly and mis-informed on their adult size!) with a few friends (Mollies, corys and a few neons)

They're currently about 20cm and 18cm, but the past few days have started fighting? They get on well with the rest of the fish, the corys even sit on their backs and eat off them (odd!)

The fighting got so bad earlier that they were at the top of the tank and I could hear them hitting the lid I also think the smaller one has a ripped fin. But he is hiding and I can't tell.

I know they can get territorial, but after speaking to MANY people, we know the tank is suitable for them. Numerous water tests show everything is fine, and they're getting plenty to eat.

Do I need to seperate them? I really don't want to lose either. But if it stops them injuring each other, then I guess I'll have too.

(Sorry if I sound really stupid.. the fish are more my other halfs, and I'm not generally that great with them!!)

 

[Haych]

I used to have 2 plecs in one tank, i had an albino and a clown, but i had to rehome the albino as they just wouldnt stop fighting.

the rule of thumb is if there is enough hiding spots for the two plecs, you should be ok (like caves, bogwood etc)

but you could have two males, which would also make them even more terratorial

 

[JenCliBee]

Welcome

What are the tank dimensions?, you may have been told you have the right size tank but often what as been said is wrong.

 

[Wills]

Yeah agreed with above if you develop more caves like plant pots or slate breeding caves or terracotta tubes for example. Place them quite far apart in the tank perhaps opposite ends and the plecs will be able to retreat into these and one will take one side of the tank and one will take the other they will have their own space and when they come out to eat they might get a bit of a scuffle now and again but if you drop food infront of both of them rather than in the middle they get their own.

They sound like they have some good size on them! Which is awesome and good on you for keeping them properly! What size tank are they in now - cant wait till I get my giant tank for some nice big plecs! Are these both common plecs or are they some L numbers?

Wills

 

[star4]

I am no expert on plecs but I have 2 in a 5ft tank, both plecs are touching 18" long. They are a very smart fish. I have had problems with mine, I did seperate them for a while but they both became really miserable. This is going to sound a bit crazy but my two like to play with toys! I have an airline (with airstone) just dangling in the tank and they will push it around, they also have a ball that just floats and they push this around. The one will also take the thermometer off the glass and swim about with that in his mouth (he does sometimes bring it back to me when I call him).

Everything I have researched says you really shouldnt keep 2 common pleco's together, mine were rescued and had lived together for about 10 years. It could be you have 2 males as others have said, personally if one is getting injured I would recommend you re-home one.

 

[Wills]

This is going to sound a bit crazy but my two like to play with toys! I have an airline (with airstone) just dangling in the tank and they will push it around, they also have a ball that just floats and they push this around. The one will also take the thermometer off the glass and swim about with that in his mouth (he does sometimes bring it back to me when I call him).

mate that is .... amazing!!! I'm not doubting you but I really really want to see that! On a side note Ive never understood why people love commons so much there are so many amazing L numbers with simple care needs that get over looked so much.

 

[star4]

Hi Wills, I wish I had a video camera. My biggest Jethro is unbelievable he comes when he is called, you can stroke him like a dog and will spin in circles round your finger when I ask him to. Mixmasterjay has seen him and he stood with his mouth open lol which turned to a huge grin when Jethro came to him and kissed his fingers and span round for him. If ever you are Birmingham way I would love you to see him.

This is not a great picture, but its Jethro kissing my hand.

 

[Wills]

wow ..... I'm just lost for words that is insane!!

 

[mr130gallon]

wow thats amazing, i wish i could do that with my fish, but theyre babys still so they dont know me yet

 

[Haych]

waaaay too cool

lol mine only hides from me