Do Plecos Suck the Slime Coat of Bichirs

[Bub]

So I heard some people say they will, others say they won't. I'm wondering what your opinions are on this. Are there species of pleco that will and some that won't? Should I avoid plecos entirely?

Most interested in how gold nuggets and green/blue phantoms will do, but interested in other plecos suitable for a 150g+ too

 

[tlindsey]

So I heard some people say they will, others say they won't. I'm wondering what your opinions are on this. Are there species of pleco that will and some that won't? Should I avoid plecos entirely?

Most interested in how gold nuggets and green/blue phantoms will do, but interested in other plecos suitable for a 150g+ too

I personally avoid adding any Pleco species with any of my Polypterus. If a Pleco did suck on the slime coat of the Poly it will cause bacterial and stress related disease.

 

[kno4te]

I personally avoid adding any Pleco species with any of my Polypterus. If a Pleco did suck on the slime coat of the Poly it will cause bacterial and stress related disease.

+1. It’s a mixed picture at times. Some do it and some don’t. Lack of food/feeding is one reason. I’d avoid it or try a vegetarian pleco.

 

[The Silvs]

I keep a common and a mustard spot plec with three albino bichir. No issues I can see so far but I may just be lucky

 

[Hendre]

I think it just comes down to the individual plecos and if they're being fed sufficiently but it's not a risk that I would take

 

[twentyleagues]

I have bristle nose with my polys no issues there. I think its more omnivorous and carnivorous plecos that will do that. Not saying theres not a chance though.

 

[Raka]

Feed your plecos, a lot. Any time I've seen this complaint in public or on social media there is a serious lack of pleco targeted feeding going on.

 

[Rob909]

With all the plecos I’ve ever had, not one of them has ever sucked the slime coat off a fish. Even the disk shaped fish that are notoriously dangerous to keep with plecos. Silver dollars, discus, datnoids, polys, catfish, loaches, tetras, severum, knives, chalceus, arowana, livebearers, all have been safe. With wood eaters, commons, and carnivorous species.

with that being said though, I only decorate my tank with driftwood, so there’s plenty to graze on. I also add vegetables and enough pellets for the plecos To much on as well.

 

[Bub]

Thanks for all your replies! Glad to see its worked out for so many of you. I don't think I'll try it myself. I'm confident I can keep a pleco well fed enough to minimize risk, but I think I'll pass on this mix up just in case. I'll stick with different catfish species

 

[twentyleagues]

Thanks for all your replies! Glad to see its worked out for so many of you. I don't think I'll try it myself. I'm confident I can keep a pleco well fed enough to minimize risk, but I think I'll pass on this mix up just in case. I'll stick with different catfish species

Synodontis are indigenous to the waters polypterus come from. Just dont get bite sized ones!