Pet Information > ASK Experts > Pet Fish > Freshwater Aquarium > Pleco Question

Pleco Question

23 15:56:14

Question

Pleco with raw spot on
My son Has a 10gallon tank and we have one pleco and 2 cichlids. I noticed a raw spot on the belly of the pleco it looks like it is getting bigger and I am not sure what to do. He is still eating and he has been acting normal. I am not sure what to do. I have attached a picture that I took today. I hope you can help me. My son is very nervous that pleco is going to die. Thank you, Tiffeny

Answer
Hi Tiffany,

First of all, Plecos cannot be kept in a 10 gallon aquarium. They need an aquarium of at LEAST 50+ gallons. They grow to two feet long (24", 60cm)! They must be given plenty of space, and putting them in such a small aquarium will lead to poor health, and it will die prematurely. Also, no Cichlid can be kept in a 10 gallon. Even the smallest of Cichlids need a 20, preferably 30 gallon aquarium. You will need to find a new home for these fish soon, or get a larger tank. Unless you are going to get a 50 gallon tank or lager, I suggest that you return or give away the Pleco, after it's been treated.

----------------------------------------------------------------------

TREATMENT:
Judging from your Pleco's condition, it is most likely a bacterial infection. Are any of the other fish affected? You will need to purchase an anti-bacterial medication at your local fish store to treat this. Brand of good medications include Maracyn (my favorite), Melafix, and Sera Baktopur.

-Perform a 40% water change first
-Remove any carbon from the filter
-Use the meddication as directed on the package.

The medication should clear the infection up in about a week or two.

Remember, after the Pleco recovers, you will need to find a new home for the fish, both Pleco and Cichlids.

Good Luck, and Happy Fishkeeping!