Pleco compatability

[tanker]

I already have 4 bushy-noses in my tank. LFS has a few zebra plecos. Thinking of getting one/two. Will my plecos fight?? My bushys are bigger then the LFS zebras.

[toddnbecka]

For a start, what size tank? Also, which species/L-number are you talking about? Zebra pleco's are L-46, not found in stores very often, and sell for a couple hundred $$ each. There are several other species that may be sold under the name of zebra pleco's, but we need to know which one specifically.
Diet is more likely to ba an issue than interspecies aggression. BN's are almost exclusively veggie eaters while most other species aren't. Some are aquatic termites, living almost exclusively on wood. Most of the Hypancistrus species like meatier foods, and some pleco's are downright carnivorous.

[Rbishop]

I take it these will be in the 100 gal tank in your sig?

[tanker]

I take it these will be in the 100 gal tank in your sig?


Yep. :)


Feeding will not be an issue. I have 2 pieces of drift wood in tank and feed a varied diet (I have over 60 tetra and 3 angel fishes in the tank now). Just wondering if the zebra (not sure which "L") will get along with the bushy-noses.

[Dangerdoll]

if they are the L46 zebras, be prepared a nice price for them.... most places will only sell them in pairs that I know of as well in order to try to breed them up.

[TwoTankAmin]

If they are true zebra plecos- L-046, then the answer is no, they don't really belong in your. There is no way any non L-046 can be confused with any of the other "zebras". If the fish are selling for under $200, the are not true zebras.

This is what an L-046 looks like:
http://home.att.net/~twotankamin/wsb/media/241663/site1034.jpg

[toddnbecka]

Check planetcatfish for the correct ID: http://www.planetcatfish.com/catelog/numbers.php?mode=l&thumbs=16
I keep L333's together with BN's w/out any problems, though they're all still juvies. I suppose there may be territorial disputes over spawning caves at some future point, but hopefully providing plenty of caves will minimize such issues. Some species are more territorial than others, most are mainly concerned with their own or similar-looking species. If their requirements are similar they will likely be fine with a 100 gallon tank.

[Hooked Newbie]

Do they look like this?

[Dangerdoll]

is that yours, Hooked? Is it a Columbian? How'd make him come out in the open?

[Hooked Newbie]

is that yours, Hooked? Is it a Columbian? How'd make him come out in the open?

Yes, 1 of 3. Yes (L129). Frozen bloodworms, they went on the attack! :grinyes:

[Dangerdoll]

LOLOL I thought there was a trick, mine don't even come out for that... I have to throw some shrimp sticks in there after lights out just to make sure they are living LOL

[Hooked Newbie]

It probably helps that they are in the tank by themselves too.

[tanker]

If they are true zebra plecos- L-046, then the answer is no, they don't really belong in your. There is no way any non L-046 can be confused with any of the other "zebras". If the fish are selling for under $200, the are not true zebras.

This is what an L-046 looks like:
http://home.att.net/~twotankamin/wsb/media/241663/site1034.jpg

It is an L046. They want $125.00 for it. Only about an inch long. They have 3 only.

[krytan]

It is an L046. They want $125.00 for it. Only about an inch long. They have 3 only.
Bargain, i would buy all three at that price.

I wouldn't put them in the 100g though.
I'd set up their own tank and try to find a few more and breed them.

[jaysen]

still a lot of money for a one inch fish. they do need to be bred out and i would say it is worth it only if you plan to breed them to make your money back. start them in a smaller tank until they grow a bit.

[Rbishop]

I would probably buy them to save them from a fate from an inexperienced keeper.

[Lupin]

I would probably buy them to save them from a fate from an inexperienced keeper.
I agree. It's really difficult to determine who the next buyer will be. Some people have enough cash to want a beautiful fish on their hand whether they care for the fish's health and welfare or not.

[Hooked Newbie]

It is an L046. They want $125.00 for it. Only about an inch long. They have 3 only.

:drool::drool::drool::drool::drool:

[wataugachicken]

personally, i wouldn't buy it unless i was prepared to breed it. you *could* however buy it/them, grow them out for 6 months or so, and re-sell later on for the big money. A word of warning though - do your research before buying and make sure they are quality fish. It seems a little too good to be true, and I would worry that the breeder's more experienced eye saw these few fish as culls which is why they are in the store in the first place.

[Dangerdoll]

personally, i wouldn't buy it unless i was prepared to breed it. you *could* however buy it/them, grow them out for 6 months or so, and re-sell later on for the big money. A word of warning though - do your research before buying and make sure they are quality fish. It seems a little too good to be true, and I would worry that the breeder's more experienced eye saw these few fish as culls which is why they are in the store in the first place.
very good point, chicken. While I do view that cost drooling, I would be a little leery. However, at that price, they may not stay in the store long... but $375 is a lot of beans to throw out...I dunno... back and forth...

[toddnbecka]

The price could also simply be a practical matter for the store. Customers willing to pay $125 for one fish aren't exactly common in the average lfs. I'd be inclined to question the origin of the fish, but if a suitable tank is handy they would be a nice investment for resale in a year or so. The water conditions don't need to be quite as exact for growing them out as for breeding.

[tanker]

Thanks for all the info. My other large tanks are all occupied (SW reefs). My only other tank is a 30gal tall (Oceanic 30 that is my daughters tank---guppies and ADF) and it is in her room.

PS--As much as I think it is a bargain...........I am not buying all three!!! :)

[Hooked Newbie]

You are absolutely killin me! My local LFSs brag when they get BNs in.

You could always ship the other 2 after pre-payment. ;)

[toddnbecka]

If you weren't on the other side of the country I'd ask where the other two were...

[tanker]

Darn!!!! Went back to take a look and they are all gone!! Said they sold them to 3 different customers.

Well.....was probably not meant to be... :(

[Lupin]

Sorry about the bad news, Tanker.:(

[jjbtexas]

hope at least one of the buyers knew what he was doing.