Fish Articles at Pet Resources -- Fancy Plecos

Fancy Plecos

Fancy Pleco Image
(L200)

Fancy Plecos are the newer plecos becoming available from dealers. Prices can range from $15-$200. Many places only offer common plecos, so some people don't even know these fancy plecos exist. They have names like the Galaxy Pleco, Royal pleco, Gold Nugget Pleco, and Queen Arabesque. Some of them grow huge like the Royal, and others top out at a few inches like the recently popular Zebra. Some are herbivores and some carnivores, while still others eat anything and everything. Below are some images of some common fancy plecos.

Click images for species information

Chaetostoma thomasi	Panaque nigrolineata

Ancistrus sp.	Ancistrus sp.

Chaetostoma sp. (L188)	Baryancistrus sp. (L200)

Choosing your Fancy Pleco:

Avoid those with a sunken belly, or sunken eyes.
Try to get one that has been eating in the store. With some gnawed vegetables are a good sign, whereas others you may need to ask about.
Acclimate slowly, and make sure your conditions match the needs of the fish. Most Fancy Plecos prefer very clean water, slightly acidicand soft.
Quarantine... These fish should always be kept separate from tankmates for a few weeks. Firstly because many are wild caught and could be carrying almost anything. Secondly so that you can be sure they are eating.

Feeding: (some carnivores, some herbivores)

Tetra Min Tropical Granules
Sinking Tablets
Algae Wafers
Shrimp pellets
Zucchini / Cucumber
Frozen Bloodworms
Frozen Brine Shrimp
Lettuce (Romaine)
Standard Flake
Algae (good source with additive feeding)

References:

http://www.scotcat.com/home.htm -- ScotCat.com
http://www.planetcatfish.com -- Planet Catfish

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