Potential ban on all plecos..NOOOOOOO!

[FishSkins]

Really i THINK people in all should be banned from owning any fish or animal ..untill the person has done full research on what they intend on keeping then take a test on such ..and prove you have the means to house such species

 

[viciousconvict]

I think it would actually be a good step to ban imports of plecos, at least wild caught plecos.
The ecology degree lodged in my brain is telling me that the greater risk is to wild pleco populations, not their potential invasiveness. I do agree that in some states (florida, socal, texas, hawaii) plecos pose a high risk, and should be banned completely because of the threat to the native wildlife. It would be best if all aquarium fish were eventuallly maintained mostly or entirely through captive breeding.
*says the zebra pleco breeder as he cackles evilly*

 

[FishSkins]

I think it would actually be a good step to ban imports of plecos, at least wild caught plecos.
The ecology degree lodged in my brain is telling me that the greater risk is to wild pleco populations, not their potential invasiveness. I do agree that in some states (florida, socal, texas, hawaii) plecos pose a high risk, and should be banned completely because of the threat to the native wildlife. It would be best if all aquarium fish were eventuallly maintained mostly or entirely through captive breeding.
*says the zebra pleco breeder as he cackles evilly*

i couldn't agree more if it can't be bred in captivity LEAVE IT ALONE

 

[davo]

The breeding populations set up in most asian and southeastern US areas consisted mainly of escapees of fish farms.

i've heard this in asia, but not in US. Interesting anyway.

 

[gomezladdams]

I hope not,its not likely theyell survive around here
that didnt stop them from banning pirana in ny

 

[WyldFya]

This is something new isnt it i've never heard of any problems relating to Plecos in non native habitats..
am i that in the dark did i miss something?

I know there are several problems out there. Commons have made homes in numerous states, and are currently threatening the Yangtze river.

 

[davo]

I think somewhere had a problem with rubberlips too.

 

[loach43]

I think somewhere had a problem with rubberlips too.

Much of North America has a rubberlip problem thanks to the popularity of plastic surgery.
:lipsseale

 

[WyldFya]

Much of North America has a rubberlip problem thanks to the popularity of plastic surgery.
:lipsseale

Yeah no kidding. Biggest problem is the commons. I have heard (although not yet verified rumors) of 18-20" commons in the Snake and Clearwater rivers.

 

[loach43]

Awhile back I was watching a show about manatees. I remember seeing one with a big pleco rasping all over it like a giant cleaner wrass. Proof in the pudding that plecos are highly adaptable to waters we don't normally think of them being in. They don't seem to have much difficulty adapting to cold and/or brackish conditions.