Feeding baby common plecos

[piranhaman00]

Hi,

I just picked up two baby common plecos for my 180. They are about 1.5" in length and quite skinny. What can I feed these little guys?

I have tried plecos in the past but always failed with them. I have general knowledge on them but would like to know any tips on keeping them.

Thanks

 

[fuzzlebug]

Algae wafers worked well with me, small ones to start with. Or any catfish sinking pellet.Iv never had problems with pleco eating? Generally they where pigs and grew crazy fast.


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[tlindsey]

I once raised 2 sailfin pleco in an 180 that I allowed some algae to grow, and also supplied them with algae waffer's, and foods made for bottom dweller's. Some species of pleco require more for their diets, some are omnivore's.

 

[Drstrangelove]

I fed mine on veggies when they were small and all the way up. Spinach, kale, etc., just raw (or quickly blanched for tough leaves.) Easily tied down with a flat rock and a rubber band.

My opinion is that their digestive tracks need volume and roughage, so while pellets, wafers and tablets offer very good nutrition, I'd probably not use those exclusively. In my tank, they didn't gorge for a few minutes, they grazed for hours and grew quite well (10-12" after 3 years, iirc.) If they are still hungry they'll find pellets at the top of the tank, or any that sit on the bottom. I also had a large piece of wood in the tank.

 

[piranhaman00]

^Awesome advice, thanks.

I have 2 large pieces of wood in the tank. My plan for the night was to put small pieces of cucumber in the tank and observe how that goes.

I housed them with some small yet mean cichlids. They are doing good so far with some dwindling aggression.

 

[MilitantPotato]

Zucchini has nutrition, cucumber has very little. I'm a fan of sweet potato since days can sit for days before spoiling.
Kale, carrots, and bits of firm fruit have also been a hit.
That said, it usually takes a few tries before they realise it's food in my experience.

 

[DIDYSIS]

Green beans also are a good food source. Just a little messy at times. No matter what with lots of plecos you have to keep the tank clean

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