View Full Version : firemouth attacking pleco
Drake Titan
08-13-2003, 1:47 AM
ever since my Firemouth finally came out from hidding, I've noticed he's been picking on my pleco. I got them about the same time. the firemouth is about 2 inches and the pleco is about 4 inches. the water quality is perfect, i feed them regularly, i do water changes once a week (20%). So i know is not about water quality or being hungry. is there anything i can do to stop this. the pleco doesn't seem too bothered by it, he just swims away as best he can. i'm not sure...but his fins might be a little chewed up (obviously)
anything i can do?
dave76
08-13-2003, 8:04 AM
my firemouth flares and attacks any bottom feeder that gets close to him, mainly my pimelodus pictus. the firemouth is about 2" and the pim is about 4.5", he also flares at my CAE witch is the same size. I would think that in the long run that your pleco will be ok. But in answer to your question no I dont think there is anyway you could stop him from attacking. Sounds like you have a fiesty firemouth, just like mine :D.
From what I read...(forgot where) pleco got tougher skin than it looks. My mix Blood Parrot has sharp teeth, always chases and attacks the pleco. To now, haven't seen a scar on that guy (pleco). However, when the pleco gets bigger (don't know how big), the skin isn't as tough. I still don't remember where I read that.
Tightdog1
08-15-2003, 2:17 PM
i thought it was the other way around that the pleco got softer skin when they are small and as they grow up, their skin gets harder. like my friend had a 8" comon pleco in a 10g by itself and his back was so hard when i touched it when i was cleaning it once.
Originally posted by Tightdog1
i thought it was the other way around that the pleco got softer skin when they are small and as they grow up, their skin gets harder. like my friend had a 8" comon pleco in a 10g by itself and his back was so hard when i touched it when i was cleaning it once.
I never said I was right :D I heard/read about it.
Tightdog1
08-15-2003, 4:34 PM
I never said I was right I heard/read about it.
i never said i was right either, thats just what i thought. and when they are little they shells/skin is hard but i figured as they get bigger their skin/shell gets harder and they grow slower. just my opinion.