Help With L81 Gold Nugget Pleco

[Lillyan]

You said your others go into hiding instantly. Sitting behind the intake or heater IS hiding. It's a common place to go, eventually he will explore, most likely at night when it's dark and safe.

I only feed Cucumber, raw, none of mine ever have an issue devouring it in 2 or 3 days. The snails pick the skin perfectly clean once the plecos have gotten the majority off.

 

[authmal]

I would offer zuchinni rather than the cucumber. Zuchinni is more readily accepted by these feeders than cucumber is. Soften it just a bit in a bowl of water in the microwave, and push a fork thru it and place it on or in the gravel. Try to place it in an area that is a bit hidden from view so that the pleco isn't frightened to come out in the front of the tank. I keep the slices in the tank for 24 hours. What temp do you keep you tank at?

FWIW, I just insert slices of raw zucchini in a veggie clip. The divots taken out are evidence that my pleco is taking *lots* of chunks out. Easier, and less clean up than if it was cooked first.

 

[pinkertd]

Zuchinni does not have to be cooked for subadults and adult plecos. Only when they are babies does it need to be softened up a bit for them.