BN Pleco behavior?

**DrNic** · 04-16-2012, 12:51 AM

I've had a male BN pleco in my tank for almost 2 years now, who lives in a faux log during the day. Recently I got a female BN from Toddnbecka here on the forum in hopes that they will pair off. She's taken to the tank well and is a little smaller than the male. She seems to be interested in the male and trying to get into the log but whenever she comes near he chases her off.

Is this normal behavior? I know she's only been in the tank a short while (about a week or so) but is this the best I can expect to get from the pair? Are first impressions critical for these fish?

**bignellm** · 04-16-2012, 01:47 AM

So, since I know next to nada on them, here's a refreshing thread bump.

**Oscarloach** · 04-17-2012, 09:51 AM

From what I've read, this is normal behavioral patterns for two BN's that haven't been tanked together for a long time. Most breeders recommend buying plecos in bunches of 4-6 when they are young, so that as they mature, they pick mates. The best i can say is keep at it. If you wish to be daring, you can take out the log(after some time has passed and they are well acquainted to one another), and replace it with a pvc tube and driftwood. Understand that when the plecos spawn, the eggs will be laid inside the pvc tube, and the male will squat over them. DO NOT REMOVE THE MALE FOR ANY REASON! I apologize if that sounds condescending, but i know that it is a major problem for many new breeders.

**Lady Hobbs** · 04-17-2012, 04:32 PM

That log is his. He doesn't want to share his territory. Sounds normal to me. I have 3 BN in my 55. Two males. No babies in 3 years yet. I was told when I got them that the female will enter the spawning area and deposit her eggs but then he will chase her out and now allow her to tend to the eggs. That's his job.

**DrNic** · 04-17-2012, 05:12 PM

Originally Posted by Lady Hobbs

That log is his. He doesn't want to share his territory. Sounds normal to me. I have 3 BN in my 55. Two males. No babies in 3 years yet. I was told when I got them that the female will enter the spawning area and deposit her eggs but then he will chase her out and now allow her to tend to the eggs. That's his job.

That sound more along the lines of what I've been seeing.

Thanks all!

**toddnbecka** · 04-17-2012, 05:45 PM

BN aren't pairing fish like cichlids. When the female is ready to drop her eggs the male will allow her into the cave, then she'll go on her way while he tends them. It may be helpful to add more cover for the female, she may be trying to get into the log because she's uncomfortable being exposed in the new tank.