Why you shouldn't get a pleco for your Aquarium ~ L Number's and Loricariidae

[@DashDrones]

I learned my lesson 20 years ago. They took over and got huge! Never again!

[@FreshwaterIchthyology]

Some of them do, it's definitely worth knowing which do but sometimes when juveniles they can look so similar.

[@DashDrones]

@@FreshwaterIchthyology yeah, LFS can't be 100% sure either. I'll stick with Corys, otos, shrimp and snails..

[@FreshwaterIchthyology]

@@DashDrones Certainly a lot of differences are so minor sometimes till adults I don't blame them. Sometimes i think there are reliable FB groups to ask.

[@rudykozan5009]

There is quite a few breeds of pleco that max out at only 4-5” one off the top of my head is the L333

[@DashDrones]

​@@rudykozan50091-2" is my max 😢

[@cattenkoifarm2937]

Very interesting!

[@benjaminpeters3885]

keep up the good work pretty lady

[@MandyJane123700]

I adopted a pleco a couple years ago because a family member didn't want it anymore. I only know it is referred to as a "common" pleco in the store, anyway, I ended up setting up a 300 gallon pond. She does seem to love hiding right where the bog filter waterfalls back into the pond. I tried feeding her Soilant Green, but I don't think she likes it. I love her, even though I worry about her all the time!

[@FreshwaterIchthyology]

They are such personalities, she'll definitely be grateful you've given her the space and care. I'm the same, I worry about mine all the time.

[@hydrocooledcarrot]

But...but....that's people 😮😂

[@tropicalfishhub]

So true. With the exception of bristlenose (ancistrus sp.) most other plecos are poorly suited for a community tank and work best in a species-only setups

[@FreshwaterIchthyology]

They don't seem to last long in those kind of setups. I think largely most just aren't getting enough food and I have my suspicions that a lot of fishkeepers feed them once a week if at all. So many other more confident and robust catfishes around.

[@jonstfrancis]

I mix my Repashy soylent green powder 50/50 with spirulina powder from the healthfood shop, it gels just as well and last lots longer.

[@FreshwaterIchthyology]

I do similar but 4 scoops of soilent green, 1-2 scoops of Chlorella and 1 spirulina as I find quite often a lot of species don't feed on anything high in spirulina. But I wonder once they start feeding on it they get used to it.

[@danieliebenberg3348]

I keep multiple species of pleco also spawn a bunch of them. I love learning new things thanks Rebecca keep making your videos

[@FreshwaterIchthyology]

Thank you :) What species do you keep?

[@danieliebenberg3348]

Lets see...I have L066,L104,L128,L134,L136,L168,L181,L190,L201,L260,L333,L387,L397, Rineloricaria eigenmanni and a bunch of ancistrus sp that im phasing out to make some space@@FreshwaterIchthyology

[@FreshwaterIchthyology]

Ohhh that's a brilliant sized collection, quite the diversity of different species as well.

[@garystein9536]

My bristlenose is 17. They live long too pleco's. He's an Albino so hardly see the guy, mainly nocturnal. Glass always really clean, good fish

[@FreshwaterIchthyology]

That's a good lifespan, they are definitely pets for life.

[@DetectiveLopez.]

Hey Rebecca have you kept the Nannoptopoma peru orange, I can't find much information

[@FreshwaterIchthyology]

Yes I have worked with them. I find them hardy but sensitive to incorrect diets so definitely want something high in algaes or at least not high in insect, fish or krill meals. Great little social fishes.

[@sghettinona]

✨Greetings!! Wishing you All the Best in 2024✨

[@FreshwaterIchthyology]

Thank you, you too!

[@heaven7360]

What do these fish look for with their eyes so high on top of their heads?

[@FreshwaterIchthyology]

As they are benthic fishes, generally the eyes are probably to look for predators coming from above.

[@heaven7360]

@@FreshwaterIchthyology I wouldn't have guessed they had predators after them. I imagine this is a pleco in this bird's beak..! kzbin.info/www/bejne/d5y1qICrppibbpI

[@GenRN]

I only keep 2 I’ve had them for about 8 years. One of my first fish. I was wise enough to find out their max size. A rubber lip and a clown. Both stay small and live in a 75 gallon tank. I see them every few months when I lift their log. 😂

[@FreshwaterIchthyology]

They are some nice species, I had a 12 and 20 year old clown, those fishes certainly can live forever. Mine sadly the big Baryancistrus chrysolomus dealt with. I do currently have one or two clown, P. aff. maccus but similar to you I only see them every few months so no idea how many I actually have.

[@Mac-tj4ir]

So sad how abused the common pleco is

[@FreshwaterIchthyology]

I totally agree!

[@ponygirl1624]

rehomed my plecos. not my cup of tea.

[@FreshwaterIchthyology]

They certainly are marmite fishes, people either like them a lot or they don't. Plenty of other beautiful catfishes or loaches that are some what similar and easier going.