![]() ![]() There are several bacterial diseases that plecostomus catfish are susceptible to, including dropsy and fin rot. To speed up the lifespan of the protozoan, increase water temperature by two degrees. Quarantine fish affected with ich in a separate tank and add one tablespoon of salt to every five gallons of water to kill the protozoan. This disease causes white spots on a fish’s body, and the affected fish will appear lethargic, lose its appetite, and rub its body against rough surfaces. Ich, or white spot disease, is a parasitic disease caused by a protozoan called Ichthyophthirius multifiliis. However, plecos are still susceptible to several common freshwater diseases if poor tank conditions or unsuitable water parameters exist. Plecostomus catfish help contribute to a disease-free tank by “cleaning” surfaces and eating leftover food and algae. A good filter provides a well-aerated current and ensures that the tank stays clean. Plecos produce a lot of waste and enjoy swimming in strong currents. ![]() The ideal tank conditions for a plecostomus are: Water type: Moderately hard, freshwater Tank size: Minimum 30 gallons, preferably 100 gallons as the fish grows, and an extra 30 gallons of water for every additional pleco Water temperature: 73–82☏ Substrate: Gravel, pebbles, clay Tank setup: Deep-rooted plants, caves Acidity: 7.0–8.0 pH Water hardness: 20–35 dkH Filter: Yes, a strong filter with a good flow will maintain good water quality Bubbler: Yes, preferable for oxygen circulation Lighting: No, only natural lighting is required to keep plants healthy Water heater: Yes, to ensure a consistently warm water temperatureĪside from keeping consistent water parameters, make sure your tank has a good filtration system. A 100-gallon tank is ideal for most plecostomus catfish, as this size gives the fish plenty of room to move and grow.īecause of their large size, plecostomus catfish are better suited to experienced fishkeepers who have the space and money to raise a large fish breed. Plecos are larger than most aquarium fish and are used to having lots of space to explore. Your pleco’s tank should be at least 30 gallons and should be longer than it is wide. Plecos are also known to wound other fish like goldfish and discus fish by sucking their slime coats off of them. However, stress, competition over food and breeding, and unpleasant tank conditions cause the fish to show their aggressive and territorial sides by chasing and pushing one another around. Plecos are peaceful fish that can be housed in a community tank. Plecos also change color when they are hiding or sulking. When stressed, the plecostomus catfish’s color fades. Male plecostomus catfish grow larger than females, and females have a more rounded body than males. Blue phantom pleco – grows up to 7.5 inches and is deep, cobalt blue in color.Royal pleco – grows up to 17 inches and is grayish-brown with horizontal stripes and red eyes.It also has a soft gray color that looks slightly blue or green. Rubber lip pleco – has big, soft rubbery lips that protrude from its face.Butterfly pleco – ranges in color from tan to chocolate brown and has distinct symmetrical black stripes.Gold nugget pleco – grows up to 9 inches in length and has a black or brown body with distinct yellow spots and markings.Bristlenose pleco – only grows up to around 5 inches in length, but has distinct bristles protruding from its mouth and nose.Sailfin pleco – has a longer-than-average dorsal fin with ten or more rays.Vampire pleco – grows up to 10 inches long and has a shiny black body with white spots.Zebra pleco – a very small species with vibrant white stripes covering its body.Candy-striped pleco, which has a pale, sand-colored body with vertical black stripes.Snowball pleco – black or dark gray in color with white spots or “snowballs” covering its body.Common pleco – grows up to 24 inches long and has a dark brown body with black markings. ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |