Growth Rate

jbrentk · Post by **jbrentk** » 06 Jul 2005, 06:10

Hey guys i have a galaxy pelco (or at least i think) that i got from a friend that needed to get rid of him. The fish is probably about 2 years old and healthy but still is only about 2 inches long. I have 2 questions...

Is it even possible for a galaxy pleco to have such a slow growth rate, or have i just id it wrong?

If it really is a galaxy plec, how long before it out grows my current tank which is a 20 gallon?

P.S- I have had him for about 2 months and have only seen him out of his cave 1 time. Other wise i can only see him from the reflection from the back of the tank. It just seems wierd that he stays in a cave that is berely big enough for him day and night.

Thanks alot!

MatsP · Post by **MatsP** » 06 Jul 2005, 09:17

It is possible (and this is only one of many possibilities) that the fish isn't getting enough oxygen to be very active, and thus it's just sitting there, hiding all the time.

Of course, I'm 100% sure that you're not watching this tank 24 hours per day, and I know for a fact that these fish are really sneaky in getting out and back in again, so it may well be out more than you think.

What are you feeding it?

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As to growth rate, if it's already 2 years old, then it's probably going to take a while before it grows really big, if ever.

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Mats

jbrentk · Post by **jbrentk** » 06 Jul 2005, 16:06

I usually get to look at my tank throughout the day and then i take a look when i go up to bed which is usally in the dead of night. I just shine a little blue light to see in there but i still never see him out and about.

I feed him algae wafers and the ocassional vegtable (doesnt look like he ever touches them)

In my 20 gallon i have 3 tetras and 3 corys, do you think an air stone might help it be more active?

MatsP · Post by **MatsP** » 06 Jul 2005, 16:14

Leporacanthicus are more carnivores than herbivores, so something a bit "meatier" is probably a good idea. The natural diet seems to be snails and such, but I'm sure it's much easier to buy for instance prawns/shrimps in the supermarket.

Also feeding dry food that is suitable for omni-/carnivores would be an idea, such as Tetra Prima or Catfish pellets.

Have a look at the Cat-eLog entry that I put in the original reply.

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Mats

jbrentk · Post by **jbrentk** » 06 Jul 2005, 17:03

Thanks for all the info MatsP.Just one last question. Are there any other meaty human food that can be feed to my galaxy pleco. By human i just mean something you can buy at the supermarket or mabey catch out side or something because i have a tough time getting to my lfs

MatsP · Post by **MatsP** » 06 Jul 2005, 17:32

No need to go to LFS to buy food for these.

You should be able to get filets of fish, shrimp/prawns, crab, crawfish in the frozen or fresh fish section of your local supermarket. Fresh (frozen) fish can be served directly, or if you prefer, you can cook it in the microwave or in some water in a pot on the cooker. Don't overcook it, it shouldn't completely fall apart when you touch it. Crustaceans (prawns, crawfish etc) are usually sold already cooked, in which case you can just chop them into smaller pieces and drop into the tank at lights off.

Mussels, oysters, shrimp/prawn, etc in brine (but avoid the ones in vinegar or oil) in the tinned fish area. Even tinned tuna in brine would probably work, but may cause some oily residue on the top of the tank. These are already cooked, so you just need to chop and add to the tank.

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Mats