ricktavious

Well, my BN pleco has stopped cleaning algae in the tank. Around a week ago was the last time I saw him on the sides of the tank, and it does not appear that he is eating over night either. During the day, he stays under a bridge decoration and at night, all I see him do is hang out on his mopani wood.

Is this normal at all for a BN pleco to not eat for a few days? He had always done a very good job of cleaning the tank, but now, not so much. Is there any way I can "coax" him into eating again?

I guess I will also add that his lack of eating is going on at the same time his bristles are coming in. Otherwise, there hasn't been any change in water quality, tank mates, etc. since he stopped eating.

capekate

I have read that when BN Pleco's mature they tend to stop eating the algae. You may have to start giving him something else to eat, such as the Omega One Veggie rounds and some type of bottom feeder foods.
My two BN never ate the algae, but I bought them as pretty large guys.. and they were most likely too mature.

ricktavious

Ahhhh, so they stop eating algae? I thought that was the main purpose for having them (besides them being cool and whatnot ). Guess it's back to cleaning off the sides of the tank with a paper towel again

Barbrella

My BN is now 5" long and adult. He continues to devour algae and will choose it over other food.

As far as I know, the Bristlenose Ancistrus will eat algae all their lives.

Is yours Species 3? I can't remember, but they're the best for algae eating.

How much supplemental food are you giving? I"m surprised he's not eating anything.

ricktavious

I have no idea what "species" mine is....he was an order from a pet store. I just asked for a BN pleco, and a BN pleco they sent There was a week or so period where he was being fed something every night (such as cucumber slice or algae wafer). He was in a new tank with no algae. However, algae started growing and he was eating it up until his bristles started really coming in. Could there be some kind of stress with the change of his face/nose going on or something? Been feeding him something every couple of days to make sure he is eating something, but is this making him dependent on me? He was eating with little supplement for a week before this suddenly started to happen.

ricktavious

Well, there is also hardly any of his poo in the tank. Could he be constipated and not feeling well?

Barbrella

Does his belly look bloated? You could try dropping in a few skinned and nuked (microwave for about 9 seconds) peas.

Are you sure he's not eating? They usually come out to feed mostly at night.

I have no idea what's wrong with him, if anything, but hope he'll be okay!

If you're really worried, the best place to get expert advice is at www.planetcatfish.com

ricktavious

Barbrella, I saw him out and eating a bit today. I may have done something stupid to make him not feel well, like feed an old cucumber to him or something He's also been more active today. He might be eating some algae, but there seems to be a lot more than usual on the wals the last couple of days. Will certainly continue to monitor the situation