Pleco aggression

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Madness

Jack Dempsey
MFK Member
Sep 30, 2010
1,128
5
36
Puyallup, WA
I have recently started getting into the Pleco craze. (over the last year) I noticed that in a couple other threads that some of you have multiple Plecos in together. How is the aggression? The reason I ask is because I have 4 beautiful plecos in my community 300. They are the L029 Vampire 6", L018 Gold Nugget 6", L066 King Tiger 5", L019 Royal 10". These have been together for a while now. I recently added the L264, 5",and the Gold Nugget and the Vampire went after it. Eventually the Nugget backed off but the Vampire literally chased it around the tank and beat the hell out of it. So I quickly pulled it and placed it into my 135 grow out tank with my male blue eyed albino BN. He is doing great now.

And here is my list:
L029 x 3, L018 x 2, L066, L014, L264, L114, L142 x 2, L128, L200, L260, L134, L190, Not sure of the L #'s on these, also have 2 x male blue eyed albino BN, and a mated pair of Green Dragon Long finned BN.

I think that is it. This is my first post in the Pleco section, so if any of you have a good hook up for purchasing these wonderful creatures, please let me know. Or if you have some that you want to sell and your OK with shipping.
 
The aggression in my tank is pretty low, I keep 7 different species together: LDA31, LDA33, L23, L90, L128, L187 and L200. The only time iv ever seen aggression is when any plecos get too close to my L128 while feeding, other then that, everyone is very calm. And occasionally my L90 chases some of my small catfish out of his hiding spot haha.
 
In my 240gal I have L282, L160, L14, L427, L048, L142, L128, L25, L24, L273, size range from 5.5" - 11". The only aggression in this tank is from L160 towards L282. Nothing serious, just chases him away sometimes when L282 gets near but then stops when L282 runs off.

In my 75gal I have L160, L27b, L27c, L177, L282, L114, L82, L25, L264, L14, L273, LDA105, L47, L007, L29, Chubby pleco, Hypancistrus Contradens, size ranging from 3" - 5". No aggression whats so ever.

Solution to aggression is driftwood, driftwood, driftwood. I can't emphasize this enough. One or two pcs will not do. Add as much driftwood as you can. Solid driftwood will not work as well as driftwood that has alot of branches, caves, and holes for hiding. Make them feel comfortable and the aggression will drop. They will be stress free and live a happy life!
 
I had issue with aggression, but I took your advice Tigerjace, and added more driftwood. Tons of driftwood help reduce aggression. Currently have a grow out with L114, L14, L273, L25. They were add it at first but since i added more driftwood and river rocks. They found their place of comfort and learn to stay in each own territory.
 
Thanks for the input. I will try this. Funny thing is, I have a 4' long piece in and 8', 300 gal tank. The only pleco that hangs on it is the Royal. The other 3 share 2 smaller pieces on the the end of the tank.

I will try this when I move everything into my 470gal.

One other question for those that replied. What shares the tank with your plecos? Are they alone? I raise and breed Cichlids, both S & C Am. My plecos live amongst them, and are doing quite well.

Also, all 3 of you have the L25. Did you all get this guy when they were less expensive, or am I just a cheap *******, and need to pay if I want the cool plecos?
 
Alot of people have the misconception of thinking big wood equals more hiding places...not true. The three plecos that you have probably prefer the 2 smaller pcs because it provides a more secure/secluded hiding place. Plecos like tight spots, it makes them feel more secure hence why they like tunnels and caves. Thats why it's good to stack driftwood with all sorts of sizes creating tight hiding spots.

I have cichlids with mine. In my opinion, plecos are suitable for all freshwater fish.

I had 7 L25's but now only have 3 because i sold some. I got some when they were expensive and when they were not. Average price for a 3" seven pointer right now is $180-250.

You have a nice collection, keep it up!
 
tigerjace said:
Alot of people have the misconception of thinking big wood equals more hiding places...not true. The three plecos that you have probably prefer the 2 smaller pcs because it provides a more secure/secluded hiding place. Plecos like tight spots, it makes them feel more secure hence why they like tunnels and caves. Thats why it's good to stack driftwood with all sorts of sizes creating tight hiding spots.

I have cichlids with mine. In my opinion, plecos are suitable for all freshwater fish.

I had 7 L25's but now only have 3 because i sold some. I got some when they were expensive and when they were not. Average price for a 3" seven pointer right now is $180-250.

You have a nice collection, keep it up!
Click to expand...

That makes a lot of sense. I will just keep looking for the rare and unique. Thanks partner. :)
 
tigerjace said:
Alot of people have the misconception of thinking big wood equals more hiding places...not true. The three plecos that you have probably prefer the 2 smaller pcs because it provides a more secure/secluded hiding place. Plecos like tight spots, it makes them feel more secure hence why they like tunnels and caves. Thats why it's good to stack driftwood with all sorts of sizes creating tight hiding spots.

I have cichlids with mine. In my opinion, plecos are suitable for all freshwater fish.

I had 7 L25's but now only have 3 because i sold some. I got some when they were expensive and when they were not. Average price for a 3" seven pointer right now is $180-250.

You have a nice collection, keep it up!
Click to expand...

This is very good advise. Although I have seen large pieces (like the glorious piece recumbent has in his 580g) that provide tons of hiding spots.
 
I have a small rock pile, two sponge filters and some driftwood. Not too many hiding spots, just lots of room. Most of mine are out and about though, only two of mine hide alot. But i agree, once you own many plecos its necessary to have lots of hiding spots and plenty of room
 
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