sailfin and common

[jclyde13]

There are many factors behind growth in Plecos.

Water conditions(lots of water changes),tank size , tankmates(a fish that fights or is picked on will not go after food as much).

This is my opinion and I'm sure others will hammer me on this but I consider zucchini and cucumber to be like filler food when it comes to growth.

When I was growing my plecos into 16-19 inch monsters in 2 years I was feeding them Shrimp pellets 3 times a day (water changes 2-3 times a week)

I've gotten my gibby to almost 16" now from about 1.5-2" in a little over a year feeding it practically nothing but algae discs and krill, maybe 4-5 times per week, so I don't think feeding really makes that much of a difference.

 

[WarrendaFish]

IMO i think it needs some more protein in its diet.. My giboceps love blood worms. they get algae waffers too. Mine have grown just fine, over 7" in under a year