What plecos need vegetables
| Species / genus | Natural diet |
| Bristlenose pleco (Ancistrus sp.) | Vegetarian, grazing on biofilm |
| Common pleco (Hypostomus sp.) | Omnivore, mostly algae and some meat |
| Clown pleco (Panaqolus sp.) | Grazing on wood, other plant-based foods |
| Flash pleco (Panaqolus sp.) | Grazing on wood, other plant-based foods |
What do plecos eat in aquarium?
Plecos are algae-eaters, but your home aquarium won’t provide enough algae to keep your pleco full. You’ll need to feed plecos algae wafers too. Plecos are omnivores, so you can also feed them meat, like shrimp and bloodworms, as well as vegetables including zucchini and kale.
How often should I Feed my pleco?
If your pleco immediately begins to munch on the food, they may be overly hungry and need to be fed more often. If your pleco ignores the food, they may need to be fed less often. Offer at least one algae wafer per day.
How do I care for my plecostomus?
Plecostomus naturally consume algae, but also graze on driftwood. Feed your Plecostomus nightly or skip a day. Use pleco specific wafers, rounds or sinking discs. Introduce a slice of vegetable or fruit 2-3 times a week. When Do I Feed My Pleco? A plecostomus is primarily noctunral and prefers to graze at night.
What is a plecostomus fish?
The Plecostomus fish, also known as plecos, are native to South and Central America, mostly residing in rivers and streams. You will mostly find them along the bottom of these waterways, hiding among rock debris, wood, and branches. The majority of the plecos you find in fish tanks are wild-caught.
How often should I feed my pleco?
One to two times per weekWhile 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).
Do plecos eat regular fish food?
Omnivorous plecos offer the most dietary options because they can eat just about anything that other omnivorous fish would eat. Fish food, algae wafers, carnivore pellets, thawed frozen foods, insects, and shrimp can all be on the menu for omnivorous plecos.
How do you feed plecostomus to vegetables?
0:545:05Feeding Veggies to Plecos, Cheap and Easy - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipNow when it comes to feeding plecos a lot of them not all but a lot of the pleco species do enjoyMoreNow when it comes to feeding plecos a lot of them not all but a lot of the pleco species do enjoy being fed fresh vegetables. Whether that's zucchini cucumber pumpkin squash sweet potato a lot of them
What do you feed a Hypancistrus?
2:228:18My Top 5 Zebra Pleco Foods - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThey have a 47 percent protein content and the first ingredients are krill meal and fish meal they'MoreThey have a 47 percent protein content and the first ingredients are krill meal and fish meal they're a smaller pellet. As you can see and they have no problem sinking.
What makes plecos happy?
2:5912:51One Of The Most Mistreated Fish In The Hobby. Top 10 ... - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipFor them the most common will be your algae wafers algae wafers are great because plecos typicallyMoreFor them the most common will be your algae wafers algae wafers are great because plecos typically love them in their great source of fiber. And protein.
Does my pleco need driftwood?
Plecos are known to feed on driftwood in minimal amounts. Driftwood consists of nutrients that help in the digestion process of Plecos. However, where driftwood can certainly help in enhancing the health of a Pleco, it is not really a need or necessity.
What fruit and veg can I feed my pleco?
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 I feed cucumber to my pleco?
0:295:42#414: How to Sink Raw Cucumbers for Plecos - Tank Tip - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd they've come up with this really ingenious little tool to help you feed raw vegetables to yourMoreAnd they've come up with this really ingenious little tool to help you feed raw vegetables to your plecos.
Can plecos eat bananas?
3:0310:51Pleco Vs. Banana - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipBut my plecos do not like bananas guys yeah they just get on it. And then they get off of it. BeenMoreBut my plecos do not like bananas guys yeah they just get on it. And then they get off of it. Been in here an hour they've ate through the you know the outer edge of it too.
Do plecos eat carrots?
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.
Can plecos eat 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.
Do plecos always eat?
The Bristlenose Plecos have a decent digestive capacity and don't need food regulation like betta or goldfish. They will eat continuously, all the time, and as long as you don't see any illness signs, everything will work fine.
How do you make a pleco eat?
6:5616:37How to feed Plecos - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipCut green beans now some people say you should use french. Cut green beans because they're cut inMoreCut green beans now some people say you should use french. Cut green beans because they're cut in half. So the the plecos will eat the inside.
What do plecos need in a tank?
Plecostomus Water Requirements A pH between 7.0 and 8.0, alkalinity between 3° and 10° dKH (54 ppm to 180 ppm) and temperature between 74° and 80° F will suffice for most captive bred species. If the aquarium is kept in a room below 74°, use an Aqueon Aquarium Heater to maintain the proper temperature.
How do I get my pleco to eat?
0:463:20My Pleco Catfish doesn't MOVE or EAT? - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipActually need a lot of protein. Instead of just algae you know the common reason for getting aMoreActually need a lot of protein. Instead of just algae you know the common reason for getting a plecostomus catfish is so that they will eat all the algae. And help clean the tank that commonly doesn't
How to tell if a plecostomus fish is overeating?
If they are overeating, when they use the bathroom, their feces will come out as a thin black stream that stays attached to their bodies. Advertisement.
How big can a plecostomus grow?
A plecostomus can grow to reach more than 14 inches in length. You have filled your tank with some of the most beautiful fish you could find. Your final addition is a Plecostomus. After a few short weeks, you notice your Plec (for short) is dirtying the tank with his droppings. You are overfeeding your Plecostomus.
How to get a pleco to eat?
1. Keep driftwood in the tank at all times. Your pleco needs lots of fiber in their diet, and they can get it from driftwood. Make sure to provide several pieces of driftwood in the aquarium at all times so your pleco can suck and scrape it off. The tiny pieces of driftwood the pleco eats help with its digestion.
How often should I feed plecos?
Feed your pleco fruit or vegetables once or twice per week. Fruit and veggies will provide your pleco with fiber, which they need to stay healthy. Offer your pleco fruit or vegetables once or twice per week.
How big of an aquarium do plecos need?
Provide them with plenty of room. In the aquarium, plecos can grow up to 18 inches (46 cm) long! This means you’ll need an aquarium larger than 100 gallons (380 L). You can choose a smaller species of pleco, like the Golden nugget, Zebra, Clown, or Bristlenose pleco, if you have a tank smaller than 100 gallons (380 L).
What is a pleco catfish?
The pleco, or plecostomus, is a type of catfish often housed in aquariums. Plecos are algae-eaters, but your home aquarium won’t provide enough algae to keep your pleco full. You’ll need to feed plecos algae wafers too.
How to know if a pleco is hungry?
Observe your pleco after feeding. After you provide food for your pleco, watch and see if your pleco gobbles it down. If your pleco immediately begins to munch on the food, they may be overly hungry and need to be fed more often. If your pleco ignores the food, they may need to be fed less often.
When to give pleco algae wafer?
Give your pleco an algae wafer at night before you go to bed, as plecos are nocturnal and eat at nighttime. If the wafer has been completely consumed by the time you wake up, you can offer another algae wafer to your pleco in the morning. ...
Can plecos eat algae?
If you have a small juvenile pleco, they may be able to get by on the algae in the tank, algae wafers, and scraps left over from feeding other fish. However, if the pleco is the only fish in the tank, it will need to be fed more often.
When Do I Feed My Pleco?
A plecostomus is primarily noctunral and prefers to graze at night. You may find your pleco laying motionless or resting for much of the day. Train your pleco to eat at night because it’s when they are most comfortable and active. This is when they will need the extra nutrition.
What Do I Feed My Plecostomus?
Your plecostomus loves to eat. Most plecos grow quite large at over 12-15 inches. Some are able to grow up to 24 inches. They will not get enough nutrients from algae and detritus in your tank. Discs, rounds and wafers intended for plecos are easy to buy from your local fish shop, but they are not enough as well.
How Do I Know If My Pleco Is Overeating?
Do you keep driftwood in the tank? Do you know that your pleco will ingest bits of driftwood by grazing their sandpaper-like teeth over it for additional fiber? They may also nibble on plants and definitely continue looking out for algae. Your nightly meals may get to be heavy.
How Many Wafers Should I Feed My Plecostomus?
Pleco-specific food usually arrives in the form of sinking rounds, discs or wafers. If you are dropping algae wafers, two will be enough. If you have a current, air pump, powerhead or strong filter, you should clip the food to the glass attached to a suction cup.
Which Fruits Do Plecos Eat?
It’s fun to experiment with your plecostomus. They are hardy eaters and will try almost anything you are offering at the same time and place each night. If there isn’t competition for it, your pleco will eat in peace and comfort.
How Much Do I Feed A Pleco?
You can feed your pleco 2 wafers or discs a night. If you see that they have been consumed it and there are no other food sources, you could choose to drop another wafer in the morning.
Which Food Is Best For A Pleco?
The food you prepare will always be the best. You take the time to cut, clean, boil or blanch the food and they are single source ingredients. The cheaper blends contain fillers and preservatives.
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.
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.
Do plecos like brackish conditions?
But they get rather large and like brackish conditions. Plecos also will not do well with only the leftovers from the other fish. Hopefully there will not be enough of that to keep them going, and it is not likely to be an adequate diet.
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.
Is a zebra pleco herbivore?
At least one population of the currently popular and expensive Zebra Pleco is such a fish. It appears to be more adapted to a micropredator lifestyle than to be herbivorous. But the majority are herbivores. Feeding in tanks is not difficult, but they do need to have a higher bulk diet than most other fish.
Is Java Fern a fishkeeper problem?
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.
