Betta/Pleco Compatibility

Question
QUESTION: I have a male betta & a albino pleco in a fully filtered & heated 5-gallon tank. When I first introduced the pleco, the betta just ignored it. Now the betta seems to be chasing the pleco & won't let him anchor. He seems to be nipping at the pleco. Can the betta cause any damage to the pleco; or is it just annoying it?

ANSWER: Hello Amanda!

No worries, the pleco should be able to stand up for himself.

However, I believe that is the least of your worries right now. I strongly recommend you find another home for your pleco. Plecos do and will grow VERY big. They grow slow, however in a few years he will be over a foot in length if he survives that long. The usually top off between 16-20". That's right, inches.

That being said, you will need at least a 100 gallon tank to house it properly. Most pet stores will do returns. If not, you're stuck.

Always research before buying a fish. The pet store employees will tell you anything to make a sale, never believe them.

-Nick

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: http://www.bbayaquariums.com/select-action.cfm?ID=46
This is what I have. It says 6 inches at maturity & in a year or two, I'll have a bigger tank.

Answer
Ahh!

See, this is why I think we should I push for scientific names used more frequently. There are at least a dozen different plecos that could be called albino plecos, so I just guessed it was the most commonly sold one, Liposarcus spp.

Anyway, my answer is still the same. Except he could go in a 30 gallon tank easily. They do grow very slow, but they are huge ammonia producers so I would move him as soon as you can.

Sorry about the mix up!

-Nick