Feeding Your Bristlenose Pleco
- Algae Tablets and Wafers. Bristlenose Plecos are known for clearing up algae in a heartbeat. ...
- Vegetables. Green and leafy vegetables provide excellent nutrition for Bristlenose Plecos. ...
- Driftwood. It might not be possible to consistently provide fresh vegetables for your Bristlenose Pleco. ...
- Meaty Treats. ...
What is the best food for pleco?
The food items I list right below, are all perfect for Plecos:
- Algae wafers
- Driftwood – very important for all types of Plecos. This is a naturally encountered food source, so make sure they have plenty of it in the tank.
- Earthworms
- Bloodworms
- Shrimp
- Vegetables
How often should I Feed my pleco?
Now that you’ve read through this post, you should know that:
- Plecos are omnivores, meaning they need meat as well as vegetables.
- They eat algae, algae wafers, zucchini, squash, cucumber, earthworms, shrimp, and more
- They’ll eat almost any fish food that drops to the bottom, but this can’t be their entire diet
- Plecos are fantastic cleaners for the bottom of your fish tank
What should I Feed my pleco?
Vegetable List For Feeding Plecos
- IMPORTANT. Make sure you have an ID of your plec to ensure the correct dietary needs are met. ...
- STARTER LIST. This is a list of vegetables and fruit that are popular with most plecs.
- OTHER VEGETABLES AND FRUIT. ...
- SUGGESTIONS FOR WEIGHING DOWN VEG. ...
Would pleco Eat my fishes?
or any other small fish?
- Niki7. I just got a new pleco 2 weeks ago. ...
- James0816. The pleco will not bother any of the fishies in there. ...
- jrman83. Now see, I would have thought that he would love some Guppy fry.
- NursePlaty. I think Plecos only pose a danger to stationary fry like Discus or Angelfish where they breed on slates and such.
- jrman83. ...
- James0816. ...
- Niki7. ...
- James0816. ...
- Niki7. ...
- jrman83. ...
Do I need to feed my Bristlenose pleco?
How Often Should I Feed my Bristlenose Pleco? Algae wafers can be fed to your fish every other day. In between replacing your wafers, it is wise to provide your Bristlenose with a constantly supply of a nutritious fresh vegetable, like zucchini.
What is the best food for Bristlenose pleco?
Bristlenose Plecos are predominantly herbivores. At least 75% of their diet should be a plant-based food such as algae wafers. Vegetables such as zucchini, cabbage, and cucumber can be fed occasionally as a treat.
What vegetables can Bristlenose plecos eat?
Veggies. Bristlenose plecos can also benefit from supplemental feedings of vegetables. Grocery store veggies like spinach, kale, romaine lettuce, peas, carrots and green beans are suitable pleco foods. Some of them, like zucchini and carrots, work better when blanched first.
What do Bristlenose like to eat?
Bristlenose are vegetarian to omnivorous and require vegetable matter in their diet. Sinking tablets, wafers or pellets containing Spirulina or similar are ideal. Bristlenose catfish also readily feed on vegetables such as squashed peas, cucumber, zucchini, pump- kin and lettuce.
How often should I feed my pleco algae wafers?
While Plecos do eat detritus and algae, it will still need its diet supplemented. Feed your Pleco every day or every other day with Pleco-specific food. One to two times per week, feed your Pleco pieces of cucumber, zucchini, or lettuce (not iceberg).
How often do you feed a Bristlenose pleco?
Feed the fish twice per day, providing enough food for them to eat within two minutes. Remove uneaten food to keep the tank clean and to prevent overfeeding.
Do Bristlenose plecos eat fruit?
I have three bristlenose plecos in my 90g. I try to feed them veggies and fruits a couple times a week. So far they have liked zucchini, blanched spinach and cucumber.
Do Bristlenose plecos eat driftwood?
Bristlenose plecos aren't picky about what type of wood you provide for them. However, they usually prefer softer woods, such as Malaysian driftwood, grape wood, and cholla wood.
Can you feed a pleco a banana?
8:3110:51Pleco Vs. Banana - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipI personally was a little bit sad when I realized that my plecos absolutely could care less aboutMoreI personally was a little bit sad when I realized that my plecos absolutely could care less about bananas.
Can u feed plecos lettuce?
Vegetables. Plecos can eat vegetables. Romaine lettuce, the tops of celery and other leafy vegetables provide a good plant food source. Slices of cucumber, parboiled zucchini and parboiled peas are welcome in the pleco's diet.
What fruit and veg can plecos eat?
Your pleco will enjoy a variety of vegetables, like broccoli, shelled peas, lima beans, kale, celery, cabbage, and zucchini. Though your pleco may enjoy small pieces of cantaloupe, honeydew melon, breadfruit, and papaya, you should avoid providing acidic fruits or veggies, like oranges and tomatoes.
Can you keep 2 Bristlenose plecos together?
Yes, you can keep two bristlenose plecos together. However, bristlenose plecos are actually solitary, highly territorial fish. If you wish to keep two bristlenose plecos together in the same tank, there are some things you need to consider: First, consider keeping a male-female pair or two females.
What do plecos eat?
At least 75% of their diet should be a plant-based food such as algae wafers. Vegetables such as zucchini, cabbage, and cucumber can be fed occasionally as a treat. Don’t forget – Bristlenose plecos are bottom-feeding fish.
What is a bristlenose pleco?
Bristlenose Plecos are hardy fish meaning they can tolerate a broader range of water parameters. With that being said, our goal is to replicate the natural environment of the fish we are keeping and keep it as consistent as possible.
How long does it take for a bristlenose pleco to hatch?
The females will enter the ‘cave’ with the male, and will deposit the eggs to the upper surface of it. The eggs will hatch around 10 days later.
How big of a tank do you need for a bristlenose pleco?
They can reach up to 6 inches in length relatively quickly, so it’s recommended that you keep them in a tank size of at least 30 Gallons. Remember that this is just a minimum recommendation.
What is the most popular species of Pleco fish?
Written by Logan Price in Freshwater Fish Last Updated 23rd June 2021. The Bristlenose Pleco. One of the most popular species of Pleco fish you will find in home aquariums all over the globe. Also known as the Bushy nose Pleco, these easy to care for tropical freshwater fish are perfect for beginner aquarists, and advanced aquarists alike.
What is the best pellet for all rounder?
A plant-based sinking pellet would be the best choice for an ‘all-rounder’. The one that I use and recommend is the Tetra Pro Pleco Wafers. They are nutritionally adequate, they sink quickly and they don’t murky up the water like a flake food tends to if left uneaten.
Do bristlenose plecos need oxygen?
Bristlenose Plecos live in fast-flowing rivers with a high current and a fast turnover of water. This means that good filtration and oxygenation are crucial for them to live a healthy life in your aquarium. High-powered filters with an oxygen intake hose will work wonders.
What do plecos eat?
Some plecos lean toward eating meatier foods, and all of them will enjoy occasional meals of small worms, insect larvae, crustaceans or such. These high-protein treats are no doubt similar to the small creatures they could capture while grazing on algae beds in the wild. I do give frozen bloodworms to my plecos with some regularity, and during gardening season, treats of small (or chopped- don’t gag please, they really are frozen and broken) earthworms. The only trick is to feed the cats in mixed tanks without the other fish stealing the treats. I do this using red lights after the regular tank lights and room lights are out, but then everybody already knows I am a bit crazy.
What fish are attacking my pleco catfish?
A recurring theme on the boards are pleas for help, shock, and dismay from tank keepers whose pleco catfish are attacking their prize Discus, Gouramis, Silver Dollars, Goldfish, or any other fish with a large enough body for the pleco to grasp with their mouth.
Why do fish eat sword plants?
Once the fish have reached only a fraction of adult size there is no way a plant leaf can support them easily, if at all. So they start ignoring the plants. Or worse, they weigh down the lower leaves of swordplants or such, and rasp away the whole thing. They are not being malicious. They are hungry. They would prefer softer, more readily available food, but if there is not any, they will eat what they can get. This can include just about any plant we grow, with the probable exception of Java Fern. This behavior is not a fish problem; it is a fishkeeper problem. We are not feeding the fish properly.
What to feed catfish babies?
This is most easily done by microwaving the peas or beans briefly in a little water, then shelling them. To me this is a hassle; to you it may be easier than slicing zucchini. If it is no problem, these items are something else that can be used in the fish veggie rotation. I confess that I do this only for delicate catfish babies. It was the only way I was able to feed Sturisoma fry, and even that was not very successful.
What is the best lettuce for fish?
Leaf lettuces are also popular and good foods for these fish. Romaine is the most commonly suggested, but most dark leaf lettuces can be used. Iceberg lettuce is low in food value and would provide essentially bulk only, I do not use it. Leaves are best either blanched or frozen.
Can pleco cats eat algae?
Algae. Most of us purchase our first pleco cat as an algae eater. Most of these fish will do that, with some reservations. The Hypostomus-type plecos will usually do a pretty good job on the tank glass, river rock, and large pieces of driftwood. But they quickly grow too large and heavy to work on plant leaves.
Can you keep a large pleco in a tank?
I would also question the idea of keeping any of the large Plecos in a standard planted tank. They are just too big for “Dutch Style” tanks. The bull-in-a-china-shop concept fits here. Actually, I believe that any catfish with adult size in excess of 6″ probably should not be in such tanks. Peckoltia and Ancistrus species are about as big as you should go. Probably the best in the family for heavily planted tanks is from a different group, the Otocinclus species. They stay small and agile and do not damage plants. Along with their smaller size, they seem not to be territorial as are their larger cousins. In fact, they need the company of conspecifics for comfort and security.
Why do people choose bristlenose over pleco?
People tend to choose the bristlenose over the common pleco because of their smaller size and they are easier to keep.
Where do bristlenose plecos come from?
Bristlenose Plecos originate from the streams and rivers in South America. They, therefore, prefer freshwater with a current that is well aerated.
What do bristlenose fish like to do?
Bristlenoses are nocturnal fish, and you should make sure there are plenty of hiding places for them to rest in during the day. They like shadowed areas, so the more of these you can create the better. Plants, driftwood, and caves all make excellent hiding spaces. Providing driftwood in your tank will also allow for somewhere for algae to grow for the fish to feed on.
How big does a bristlenose catfish get?
Bristlenose Pleco Appearance. Bristlenose Pleco. The Bristlenose Catfish is one of the smallest aquarium catfish and will grow up to an average of 3-5 inches. It has a wider head and is much shorter, fatter, and flatter than the Common Pleco.
What is a pleco?
The bristlenose pleco is known as a number of different names including; bristlenose catfish, bushynose catfish, common bristlenose catfish, and the brushmouth pleco.
How big of a tank do you need for a bristlenose fish?
Depending on what other fish you are housing with your Bristlenose, you’ll need a minimum tank size of 25 gallons, and you should ensure that the bottom of the tank, which is where they spend most of their time, is large.
Is a bristlenose a peaceful fish?
Bristlenoses are a peaceful species and will get along with most other peaceful community fish. It’s a great fish for beginners and experienced aquarists alike. They are very hardy, and can comfortably adapt to live in a wide variety of tank conditions.
How big of a tank do you need for a bristlenose pleco?
If you plan on purchasing your own Bristlenose Plecos, you need to make sure that they have at least a 25 gallon tank to roam around. Make sure that you adjust your tank size accordingly if you decide to keep them with other fish (more on that below).
Where do bristlenose plecos come from?
Originally, Bristlenose Plecos come from the streams and tributaries in the Amazon Basin. Though, they can also be found throughout other parts of Central and South America as well. These freshwater fish were first classified in the 1800s. Since then, they have become popular with aquarists all over the world.
What is the difference between a pleco and a bristlenose?
When compared to other Plecos, the fish have somewhat elongated lips as well. Another difference between the Bristlenose and other Plecos is that the head is wider. It’s also shorter and a bit plumper. Another neat thing about this species is that their bodies are covered in bony plates.
How long do bristlenose pleco live?
Bristlenose Pleco Lifespan. The average Bristlenose Pleco lifespan is at least five years, but there have been instances where this fish has lived up to 12 years in captivity! When compared to a lot of the other popular freshwater tank inhabitants, this is a pretty solid length of time.
What is a bristlenose catfish?
Bristlenose Plecos (sometimes called the Bushy Nose Pleco or Bristlenose Catfish) are incredibly unique and fun creatures that are quite popular in freshwater tanks. They’re also rather polarizing. Some aquarists think that they look fun and unique (like us), while others think they look odd and creepy. If you’re in the first group then this guide ...
Why do plecos have protection?
Bristlenose Plecos do have protection all over their bodies to prevent injury from small aggressive fish. But, it’s best to just keep things as peaceful as possible. Pairing them with aggressive fish that constantly attacks them will only lead to stress-related health issues.
What color are plecos?
You’ll find fish that are black, dark brown, gray, and olive. Accompanying that base color is a series of lighter dots all over. They are usually white or yellow. The belly of Bristlenose Plecos is slightly lighter colored.
laritheloud
So I've been offering my new red bristlenose an algae wafer (or a piece of one) from Northfin -- the Kelp wafers. I'm trying to offer veggie-heavy foods since I know Bristlenose favor algae and veg in their diets. NOW I've only had him for a few days, and I know he could totally still be settling. So far he hasn't touched the wafers I've offered.
Beardedbillygoat1975
Well the highest nutrition he can get is in that biofilm. They may not have raised him on the wafers so he may not know what they are. With the baby plecos it took several weeks for them to find the Repashy and the wafers so I’d give it more time.
laritheloud
Well the highest nutrition he can get is in that biofilm. They may not have raised him on the wafers so he may not know what they are. With the baby plecos it took several weeks for them to find the Repashy and the wafers so I’d give it more time.
Guppysnail
After a quarter bag of these going untouched by mom dad and three batches of fry snails and shrimp I threw the bag away. My little ones liked the omega one veggie rounds. They are the only wafer mine really liked and would consistently eat along with hikari sinking wafer in the orange bag. Bug bites pleco formula they ate after awhile.
Beardedbillygoat1975
At this age it’s all about eating and feeling safe so that makes sense - he’s living next to the cafeteria which has his favorite food. I see mine often because of the shear numbers - 2 males and 5 females I’m bound to see one every time I look.
laritheloud
After a quarter bag of these going untouched by mom dad and three batches of fry snails and shrimp I threw the bag away. My little ones liked the omega one veggie rounds. They are the only wafer mine really liked and would consistently eat along with hikari sinking wafer in the orange bag. Bug bites pleco formula they ate after awhile.
lefty o
BN typically arent overly picky eaters. mine go banana's for wardley's (this is the only food from this brand id use, the rest is not very good) shrimp pellets meant for corydora's, and they are the one fish i have that likes repashy community.
What to feed plecos in tank?
Since yours is pretty big, I would have something for him to snack on in the tank all the time. Spinach is great for plecos. It has fiber, and tons of great nutrients. Keep a leaf of it on a veggie clip in the tank the majority of the time I would say. Zucchini is good too.
What is the best food for plecos?
Since yours is pretty big, I would have something for him to snack on in the tank all the time. Spinach is great for plecos. It has fiber, and tons of great nutrients.
How often do plecos get algae wafers?
They get algae wafers every couple of days. A lot of plecos are very underfed, If you don't get much algae they should have access to vegetables frequently.
How many algae pellets should I feed my Pleco?
I feed mine one algae pellet/tablet per day. At the weekends I feed him a slice of cucumber as well. Don't forget that your Pleco will like to munch on algae on the walls of the tank.
What do plecos eat?
This may seem a little complicated, but it will give your pleco a nicely balanced diet. They need a diet high in fiber from fruits and veggies, and won't do as well if you only feed them algae pellets.
How long to wait to put in algae pellet?
I would recommend putting in a 1/4 of an algae pellet, waiting 2 days, putting in a slice of blanched cucumber, waiting 2 days, putting in a piece of blanched spinach, waiting to days, and then starting again with the algae pellet.
