Feeding Pleco suggestions?

[fishfrenze]

Hello,
My new pleco does not seem interested in eating! I've only had him for two days, but he hasn't eaten any of the algae wafers or the spinach I've dangled in front of his face. I tried using a fork tied to a string with spinach on the end, like someone here said worked for them. First of all, he's a chicken and swims away when I try to get the food near him. Then when I finally do, he's not interested. He's in a quarentine tank for now, but I'm worried that he's going to waste away. Does anyone have any other suggestions??
Thanks for your help.
Melanie

 

[TwoTankAmin]

What pleco do you have? They are not all vegetarians, some are meat eaters.

 

[TKOS]

Plus most plecos are nocturnal and won't come out to eat until lights out. Try leaving the tank lights out for a whole day so he can get accustomed to his surroundings.

 

[fishfrenze]

Thanks for the replies. He's a Royal. I've hardly turned the lights on at all b/c I wanted him to adjust. The spinach I left in overnight was still there this morning . I'm hoping that he'll try some food today...

 

[valerie]

http://www.planetcatfish.com/catelog/loricari/panaque/151_f.htm

Here is some basic info about royals. They do eat veggies but they also need driftwood in the tank. They are wood eaters and need in their diet.

Also fancy plecos are wild caught and most have internal infections or parasites. ON the planetcatfish.com forum most of the fancy pleco keepers recommend treating them for parasties in the Q tank.

Does your look healthy?is it stomach bloated or sunken?eyes look good?

 

[fishfrenze]

Thanks Valerie,
He's got driftwood... His stomach doesn't look either bloated or sunken...it's just kinda flat. His eyes look good to me, but I've never had a pleco before, so that's not saying much. Any suggestions for a good internal parasite treatment?

Thanks,
Melanie