Pleco is eating sand!

[chronic]

So after reading, sounds like its not a terrible thing. I read it can help move their digestive track along.

And they eat normally, swim and act merry.

But I there is sand substrate in their poo!

I thought maybe it was like a dog turd picking up grass or something, maybe some sand got stuck to it the first time i noticed. But he just took a dump infront of me with sand in it.

Obviously I can't stop him from eating sand... apparently its enjoyable. But is this something to worry about? I know my dog used to eat rocks...

[cocoa_pleco]

i dont think its a harm, if he were eating large gravel that would block his digestive system and kill him, but sand is easily passed through.

[mac]

Hi,
IMO I see no problem at all.

mac

[LORENZO]

:grin34: give that poor pleco some nibbles he is probably hungry.. resorting to sand ha my dogs eat grass. Some nice sinking shrimp pellets surely he can't choose sand over such a delicacy!!!

[Lady Hobbs]

Probably cleaning out his digestive track. Maybe he needs more ruffage.....like vegtables. Don't forget that birds eat small pieces of stones and gravel, as well. Could be he's just sifting thru the sand to get pieces of food.

[chronic]

Smart fishy!
That puts my mind at ease.

[johnpeezy]

I would be a little ocncerned if its a silica sand because it can be sharp.

[LORENZO]

:fish: :fish: plecos usually feed at night. make sure you have some pellets put in the tank just before you go to bed. That way they can get the nutrients they need. Good feeders they are.