Air breathing pleco???

laurenrocksth

laurenrocksth

AC Members
Jun 24, 2008
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Milford, NH
I have an approximately 8 inch common pleco in a 55g with 2 oscars and 3 pictus cats. Lately, the pleco has been swimming to the surface like a cory cat and releasing bubbles when he gets back to the bottom. I have had him for almost a year and have never noticed him doing anything like this. My nitrate, ammonia and nitrite are all zero. My pH is 6.5. I recently lowerred the water level about 3 inches because my oscars were smashing their heads into the hood. Could this have caused him to behave this way or is it a sign of something else? Or is it nothing at all? Also, I am aware that this size tank is not adequate for all of these fish when they are full grown. What size do you think would be the minimum? I'd like to keep them together because they all get along really well. Any help would be greatly appreciated!!!
 
I would double check your water, I dont think your nitrates would be zero. I have a common Pleco (~12") and I havent ever seen him do this, heck he spends most of his time hiding while the lights are on. As for tank size, I'm no expert on catfish, but I would think that you should aim for a minimum of a 125 gallon tank. I'm sure someone with a better catfish knowledge will chime in and give you a more accurate size. In the mean time, try a 30-50% water change and see if that helps the pleco out. Good luck!
 
Actually, it's common behavior for common plecos but not to the point where they are constantly doing it. Once or twice in a while is fine. I am with pavemike though, if your nitrates are at zero, it sounds as if you are not cycled or could it be that the tank is "re-cycling". As far as tank size, I would even go higher than 125 because of the bioload of these fish... perhaps the minimum at 150.
 
mine seems to do it several times in a row over a short period of time (several days), then not do it again (that we can see) for several months. as long as its not going to the surface to gulp air a lot (im talking several times in an hour), things should probably be ok
 
yes, probably at least 125g for all those fish.

if you are truly not showing ANY nitrates, i would suspect that there may be something wrong with your test kits. even if your fish are young, they are all messy and should be producing a large amount of waste. this turns into nitrates.

what kind of test kit are you using? how often do you do water changes and how much each time?
 
My pleco does it occasionally as well. He will do it more often if he is anxious..example around feeding time if hes really hungry, or if the cories are trying to take his food..
 
I have a number of bn in different tanks. I notice that some will do this during the refill stage, or shortly thereafter, when I do water changes.
 
Blueiz said:
:OT:

Riiz, thats a gorgeous angel you have as your avie :)
Click to expand...

Thx, She was the one of the best angels I ever owned about, lived about 6-7 years. The reason I bought a 80t to start over with angels again.
 
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