Plecs

[Debo]

Hi,
i just bought a Plecostomous yesterday and someone told me I need some driftwood for him. Is this true? I know I should have read up on them first, and wasn;t really planning ion getting one yesterday, but you know how us fish geeks can be. I finally found one that will only get to be 5 inches so I bought him. I can get him the wood in the am. Why do they need it and is it crucial that they have it?
Deb

 

[Cian McLiam]

Hi Debo,
Yes most plecs need wood to rasp on, they require a substance called lignin for digestion, wood is a natural source of this for them, as well as a natural hiding place!
What kind of plec did you get??

Ken

 

[Debo]

I have no idea what kind it is. They said it was a smaller type. It is brown with yellowish stripes.
He hasn't done much for the algae yet~!!
Deb

 

[Cian McLiam]

Sounds like the clown plec Peckoltia vittata, find a pic and more info HERE]

Ken

 

[Debo]

That's what he is!!! I hope he earns his keep, keeping my tank free of algae!
What a great website. Thank you so much.
Deb