Pleco feeding

Question
I have a 29 gallon tank with semi-aggressive fish.  I've had several plecos over the years, including one that I had to give away because it got too big for the tank.  This one is about two inches long.  I have put some algae tabs in to feed a larger catfish and a couple of others but quit when the algae in the tank seems to be plentiful.  When I feed the other fish this one swims on it's back at the surface skimming off the floating food.  I've never seen one feed in this manner.  Common?  Something missing?  Trick pleco bound for the circus?

Answer
It's not unheard of for them to swim upside down skimming the food up.  There IS a chance that he is not getting a fair share if he is the little guy of them all. I don't know if you are aware of this or not, but many times plecos do not get along with each other. They are not really socially fond of one another even though they are pretty peaceful with other fish.  Usually it's when you have 2 that are about the same size though.

So long as he is looking healthy, I would really consider it his "trick".  I've had a few weird ones myself.  I have a pleco now that is over 2' long (HUGE DINOSAUR looking thing, lol...not to mention ugly as sin. He is 10 years old this year) who lives in our pond during the summer then comes in to a warmer stock pond in the winter.

One trick you can try is to feed these guys at night after you turn the tank light off and it is dark.  Stick the algae tabs in then and there is a good chance that the non-nocturnal fish won't catch sight of them (sometimes they do if there is any kind of light in the area), but many times the only ones who see them are the plecos.  This way you can assure the little guy IS eating enough.  Don't forget that they also LOVE fresh veggies - cucumber, zuchini, etc. (it's easy to look this up online) Sink them to the bottom or purchase a veggie clip to hold them down.  The plecos normally love them.  It may take a few tries for them to really "get in to them", but they will, no doubt. They are scavengers.  My koi also love these things too.

So again, so long as he isn't looking "ill" or thin/frail, he should be just fine, no matter if he swims upside down or not (are you SURE you didn't get an upside down catfish??? LOL).

Please let me know if I can provide any additional info.  Best of luck, I love plecos!!

By the way....I got my pleco at about 2" 10 years ago, now, as I said, he is over 2' long....it's AMAZING!!  ;o)