Are plecos social fish?

[ewurm]

I have never read that plecos need to be kept in pairs, but an lfs employee told me I should buy two. Are they OK by themselves or should I buy two? They are very small plecos.

 

[davo]

do you know the species. most plecos are kept in the shop are very young, and are less territorial. it usually comes when older and bigger. even some territorial plecos can be kept together, with an adaquate amount of places to hide. some species will get on with others, but are intolerant of same species, like gold nuggets. it is all about finding the best breeding spot. Some plecos however are very docile and can be kept in groups in their own species, or others. a lot of people keep a pair of bristlenose plecs, just because it is easy to distinguish between the two sexes. if you have a photo, that would help.

 

[ewurm]

White spot plecos

 

[davo]

if its the L142, it will become increasingly territorial to other bottom dwellers (especially Loricariids) as it matures. It'll do fine by itself, although i know people who have kept a couple. don't think you'll breed it either way, as it is very hard to recreate the conditions for breeding. think he was just trying to get an extra bit of cash outta you

 

[ewurm]

I am not sure id he was fishing for cash. but he may think corys and plecs are the same. I am going to move one of the plecs to another tank soon. Thanks!

 

[Daniel Machado]

Baryancistrus, as the white spot/ L-142, are extremely territorial and this species gets large. Beware.

Best regards.

Daniel.

 

[ewurm]

They are very small. I need a pleco in another tank. Should I transfer one?