Pleco problem

[stormbud]

I have a commmon pleco that seems to be having problems staying on the bottom. He seems to be feeding normally and I sometimes find him on the glass. When I feed the fish, he starts going for the bottom to feed and keeps floating up to the surface and seems to be working to stay down. Then he will swim into the plants and rest. I think he may be using the heavy growth to keep himself down. Hes about 7 inches long in a 135 gallon planted tank. Any Ideas? I may be worrying about nothing, I dont know. Thanks

 

[stormbud]

wanted to quickly add that the tank is well established (2 years) and lightly loaded. Pleco is the largest fish. Water test fine, no deaths or any problems in over 6 months. Thanks again for any ideas.

 

[Kasakato]

So is he like floating?

 

[stormbud]

Nope, I just looked over and he was on the glass. He doesnt really look sick......I just dont remember this behavior before. Even when he is on the glass, he seems to be moving up a bit. Just swam into the heavy plants again. thanks

 

[Kasakato]

My Pleco (Rubberlip) will do all sorts of strange things. One moment its all hyper eating like there's no tomorrow, but then the next its still and looks dead.

 

[stormbud]

Just bumping this. Still seems ok, just seems like he is fighting to stay on the bottom. Any thoughts?? Thanks

 

[Riso-chan]

Sounds like a swimbladder problem, if anything else. I've heard that with goldfish, feeding unshelled peas can help this problem. If he'll take them, try feeding those to him, and let us know if it makes him a little better. Good luck with your large friend. ~Angela

BTW, do you know that a common pleco can grow up to 2-3 feet in length? Just telling you as a word of caution, but for now a 135 gallon seems big enough. Though, don't be surprised if the armored cat outgrows his current domain, just be sure to get him to a much bigger home when the day comes.