crazyzoo Posted October 6, 2008 Report Share Posted October 6, 2008 I have just acquired a large common pleco (he is about 40cm). I was just wondering how much to feed him. I have bought Hikari Algae Wafers. I have tried starting with one in the morning and one at night, but he gobbles it up in minutes. Last night I also gave him 2 slices of cucumber....that lasted most of the evening. Can anyone tell me any indicators of whether he is getting enough to eat or not? Thanks Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mr pleco Posted October 7, 2008 Report Share Posted October 7, 2008 not really except to say yr feeding regieme is about right they can honk down the food at that size ,his belly will give it away if its slightly curved outwards then hes in good condition a sunken in belly is a sign of underfeeding or problems usually i put a 1/2 a courgette in once every two days for something that size and take the remainder (if any ) out the following night dont bother boiling it or microwaving it just put a fork in it to sink, boiling it will make it softer and it will sink easier but it will also break up faster and possibly cloud the water mine scoff 1/2 a courgette in about four hours and they aint 40cm but there is more than one alternate between courgette /cucumber/ or algae wafers (about 4 per serving ) even try mushrooms / some shrimp pellets occasionally and remember it will "hoover up" any left over food you feed the others too HTH mr pleco Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ianab Posted October 7, 2008 Report Share Posted October 7, 2008 They can eat a lot. Best option I think it to stick with a couple of tablets each day, and then drop in a big chunk of vege every couple of days. Basically you cant overfeed them them on the veges, drop in a big piece, let them gnaw on it overnight, and take out the leftovers next day. If there are leftovers, then it's had all it can eat. If there is nothing left, put in a bigger piece next time. They also like some meatier treats occasionally, I give mine a whole cooked shrimp or some sinking catfish pellets occasionally. Veges for most of their diet, but they are omnivores and like meatier stuff too. And get the gravel vac ready.. what goes in must come out. :-? Ian Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
crazyzoo Posted October 7, 2008 Author Report Share Posted October 7, 2008 Thanks peoples I will take your suggestions gladly....not used to having such a big fish to feed! He (or she) has not got any tank mates at the moment as someone told me he would eat them.....and after seeing him chase after a piece of cucumber which came off the spoon last night I would believe it...he was fast! Of course would also welcome any suggestions on suitable tank mates that won't end up DINNER! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ianab Posted October 7, 2008 Report Share Posted October 7, 2008 They are seldom agressive or predatory, although I do have one that has a taste for guppies. :-? My big fellas are in a tank with kribensis cichlids and tiger barbs, no problems. Only potential problems are really small fish, or large slow movers like Discus or Birchirs - or REALLY agressive fish that might attack the pleco. They are live and let live with most tankmates. Ian Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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