whats wrong with my pleco??

[steffi0122]

My pleco has this really weird white patch on his skin. It isn't fuzzy or anything just looks like his colour is slightly lighter in that area. Some days i notise that it is lighter than other times, and sometimes it looks like it is going away. right now it just looks sorta dried out and even his spots are lighter than normal. I am wondering if he has anything that is contageous that could harm the other fish...especially the betta (who has just gotten over a fungal infection about a month and a half ago). Has anyone ever experienced this with their pleco...do they change colour sometimes? Should i get him out of the tank away from the healthy fish?
Oh yeah...the thing that really boggles me is that he isn't acting funny at all...he seems just as active as before and he is eating great. Anything would be helpful...thanks!!!

 

[OrionGirl]

Pleco's are well known for changing color. Sometimes it is a stress reaction, especially if water conditions are off, or the tank is too small.

 

[pinballqueen]

Whenever my pleco gets real excited (either when I'm movin things around or doing waterchanges or someone makes a sudden move towards the tank that he can see, etc....) He gets a lighter area between his tail and his dorsal fin, kind of like a saddle, and the rest of the fish gets darker and his spots more obscured by the dark coloration...

I have noticed that many many fish have the capability to change color at least slightly depending on their mood and health. (Which is why I love it when my convicts get "in the mood", because they have the most gorgeous coloration when they are.... now if I can just get rid of all those fry.... )