Breeding or fighting?

[Dan Steveo]

Hey guys, it's been a while since I've been on here. I've not had a chance to do anything to the tank really, I've recently bought a snowball Pleco and a gold nugget Pleco to go with my bristlenoses and blue phantom. All has been well. However, I recently noticed my blue phantom following the snowball Plec around a bit. They were in a slate cave together and I could see their fins sticking out... The snowballs fin would shake a lot like the kribensis mating shake and the phantom would mimic somewhat. No real aggressive moves or anything but they've not met much. Even now they are about 3 cm away from each other but no movement at all.

I don't know what to think...

Also my gold nugget has some tatty fins, he didn't look 100% in shop so may have to keep an eye on him. They're all beautiful though any ideas? X[]

 

[Kiara1125]

Maybe some cross breeding going on?? And how's it been?? Get that starlight pleco yet??

 

[Dan Steveo]

It's all been good and none of my locals can find them they said they'd try though. The gold nugget Plec I got is basically exactly the same except spots are gold Instead of white. So I'm half there haha.

I had 20 baby kribensis that had grown quite large with stunning colours. This was overloading my tanks Eco-system and algae became an issue recently. But now I traded them for the other Pleco they get good homes, I kept the best few and parents have had another bigger batch already.

 

[Kiara1125]

Cool. I've never seen anyone so into plecos like you. It's really cool. Hope you get the ready of the way there haha.

 

[Dan Steveo]

Thanks, and yeah ever since I was 9 I've just been fascinated with plecos. I'm not a fanatic but I love their behaviour and their looks. I used to have this castle which had a bridge and I used to put the Pleco wafers on this bridge every time so the plecos would come and eat from there.. I know it's sad but I was 9 hahaha.

Now I just love those rare plecos hehe.

 

[Kiara1125]

It's not sad, it's cool. It's really unique since you've had such an intrest for them for so long. I'm inspired. I don't like Plecos all that much, but the ones that you have are absolutely beautiful. What places have you tried to get the Starlight Pleco?

 

[KcMopar]

My sail fin pleco comes to the top of the tank so I can touch him. I have no idea why he likes that. I have always done water changes weekly so I guess he got use to my hands or something. He is 6 years old and spoiled.

 

[Dan Steveo]

Thanks, and Awe that's soo cute haha, and I've tried maidenhead aquatics ( I see them as the most professional). I've tried pets at home and many others. Every known store within 20 miles. And I will not buy if I'm not happy with the fish.

Unfortunately I overlooked something, my gold nugget Pleco was missing all day and I was worried so I hunted everywhere and eventually found him.

His belly is badly sunken in and he has no energy, he's breathing but doesn't move, I've put him in a breeder net with java moss and plenty of food and clean water current, lights are out and I've left a dim light on in the room so he can easily see the food I've over-supplied him with. I know it's not due to me as it'd take more than a day for him to get that bad. Two weeks I'd understand

They do have a fast metabolism though. Is there anything else I can do? Thanks guys.

 

[Kiara1125]

Aw, so sorry to hear that. I would just keep him separated and make sure that he gets enough to eat. I've never had a pleco so idk what to do. I just have 3 fat otos.

 

[Dan Steveo]

Thanks, I'll have to see what happens. He's relaxed. And I have 6 ottos but mine don't grow very quickly all get enough to eat though.

 

[Dan Steveo]

Ok checked on him this morning , he's still breathing and the food I gave him is missing so I've re-fed him. And left lights off. I'll give it another day. And then check if he's got enough energy and if he's filling up that belly.

I hope he's gunna be ok, I'm also gunna check with the store I bought him from and see what they say.

 

[ValRasbora]

Hope he gets better!

I can see why you love plecs. They're really awesome dudes. I love my clown, he's got such a funny little personality!

I've always wanted a starlight BN... you're very lucky! Have you tried AqiuaBid?

 

[Dan Steveo]

Hiya, I haven't checked there yet but I will. And he wasn't going to make it so I called and they asked me to take him back to them and the gave me a credit note.. So I bought his brother/sister... Just as beautiful.

And they all seem to be doing well. I'm still by far most pleased with my blue phantom Pleco but do really want a starlight bristlenose. And then I'll probably get another blue phantom and try breeding hehe. I've got enough bristlenoses to get going and it's like a dream to have plecos breed in my tank.