What Are Those Things Coming Out Of His Face?

[chibi]

I have a bulldog/rubbernose pleco. Sometimes, these little brushy things come out of his head. They're pokey and stuff. What are they? Does he do that when he's mad? Can they hurt my other fish?

 

[xingumike]

they are his interopercular odontodes , commonly known as cheek spines or 'chew chew' they are used as a form of defence (or attack i suppose lol).

Yes they could probably damage another fish if he wanted to, he will only have them out when he feels threatened normally, although my lasiancistrus does it during feeding, possibly to warn off other fish i guess

this is what u mean right? i know its a nugget but show the spines well

http/www.planetcatfish.com/catelog/image.php?image_id=5820

 

[paul_219]

First time i hear about it.

 

[wendywc]

When my bristlenose was younger, there were a few times he would have his hooks out. They came out only for a second and it just looked like he was stretching.

Here he was normally.

Here he is with them out.

 

[stang1]

They're fantastic photos Wendy!

 

[wendywc]

They're fantastic photos Wendy!

Thanks

 

[xingumike]

First time i hear about it.

another cracking post.......

 

[chibi]

they are his interopercular odontodes , commonly known as cheek spines or 'chew chew' they are used as a form of defence (or attack i suppose lol).

Yes they could probably damage another fish if he wanted to, he will only have them out when he feels threatened normally, although my lasiancistrus does it during feeding, possibly to warn off other fish i guess

this is what u mean right? i know its a nugget but show the spines well

http/www.planetcatfish.com/catelog/image.php?image_id=5820

Yep, it's those things! I guess that makes sense that he uses them for defense; he did that when he was munching on an algae wafer and one of my angelfish came over and tried to steal it! Thanks everyone!!

 

[dylema]

Heres a picture of a female albino BN I took last week. (excuse the colour the white balance was all wrong).

 

[DarkEntity]

Hahaha those spines are a pain in the arse when you have to net one of the little buggers!

ive moved to using a plastic bottle with courgette in the end, when he/she swims in life bottle out