evil pleco

[gobucks1]

my 7" common pleco went from being shy and hiding 24/7 to kicking my 8" albino catfish's butt and stealing market shrimp from all of my african cichlids and my crayfish and catfish.
hes still in the same tank, i havent added any new fish or started doing anything different

any idea why he might be doing this?
and what i can do to stop it?

 

[WyldFya]

He is getting close to his sexual maturity size, so now he will become more aggressive, and more territorial. Make sure to offer him lots of protein.

 

[gobucks1]

okay thanks

should shrimp be good for him?

 

[Muske]

Shrimp will be fine.

 

[Ianab]

As plecos get bigger they become less shy and more assertive around the tank. I wouldn't really say agressive, just assertive.

They will become bolder when it comes to food, and compete with the other fish.

Make sure the pleco is well fed with fresh veges. But a bit of higher protien food like shrimp is good for them too.

Ian