Two Very Shy Plecs!

[joeyh51]

Hello,

The title kind of says most of it really, I have two plecs in my tanks, a golden nugget and a blue phantom (two of the best looking plecs imo) but the only problem is I hardly ever see them, they're the best looking fish in there and never come out!
I've had the golden nugget for about a months now, and the blue phantom for going on a week, but they don't seem to be getting any better, they're the most timid plecs I've ever come across!
Whenever they are out as soon as you get up to the glass they just hide again. I've tried changing the tank around, algae wafers and everything to get them to come out, but they don't seem interested in the slightest. I'm just worried I'm doing something wrong, my housemate has a common plec and he's pretty much out 24/7, constantly moving around munching on bogwood, and that was from day one!

Is there anything anyone can advise, is it just a matter of time or can I expect them to hide away like this forever?

 

[star4]

Unfortunately GN are very shy, I rarely see mine, usually on wc day when I move his log he likes to hide under and when I put him something tasty (cucumber) in the tank, these are about the only times I see him during the day,

 

[joeyh51]

Anyone know about the blue phantom? He seems to be out a bit more than the GN but still hides away a lot of the day.
Just tried putting some cucumber out to try and entice them!

 

[xingumike]

Its only been in a week...

Bear in mind that it is a W/C fish, been through the trauma of shipping etc.

Some of mine took months to settle and become outgoing.

You changing the tank decor won't help matters either, just leave them to get used to their surroundings.

Adding more hiding spots may actually help.

Bear in mind some will never be outgoing fish, my GN never was, also L27c.

edit - As a side note, use Courgette (Zuchini) rather than Cucumber, much better

 

[roadmaster]

I agree with above! I have kept many species of pleco's and found that by loading the tank with driftwood,and smooth rock formations, that the fishes were more likely to come out and explore during the day.
When only one or two such areas or hiding spot's were present,,the fish were reluctant to leave these areas. With more areas /cover, they maybe felt more secure with the numerous places to escape to quickly rather than one or two.
Worth a try I should think.

 

[-Craig-]

Mine are like angels when you go near the tank they are really hyper and come to the glass, The plec you have are shy.

 

[joeyh51]

Guess I can only wait and see what happens then. Cheers for all the advice, just hope they become a bit more active because they really are beautiful fish!