Pleco looks sick...

**chocological** · 09-19-2012, 10:29 AM

Can someone identify this? I thought it was some type of fungus.

**Crispy** · 09-19-2012, 10:33 AM

I've seen many plecos look 'faded' like this or even shed their slime coat as they grow. I wouldn't worry if he is eating and acting normal. seems most noticeable with sailfins and commons.

**chocological** · 09-19-2012, 10:44 AM

You know I've kept lizards before and this is exactly what it looks like.. Skin shedding.

**ScottishFish** · 09-19-2012, 12:22 PM

+1 to crispy

Is he acting normal though? That patchy look is apparent on stressed out plecos. Your tank should house real wood, several caves and non fin nipping tankmates for him to be happy. What are you feeding him?

**chocological** · 09-19-2012, 01:43 PM

Originally Posted by ScottishFish

+1 to crispy

Is he acting normal though? That patchy look is apparent on stressed out plecos. Your tank should house real wood, several caves and non fin nipping tankmates for him to be happy. What are you feeding him?

He's acting as a pleco should. I have one small cave, some driftwood, which he loves and I feed him algae wafers. I could use more caves. The other fish leave him alone.

**IanR29** · 09-20-2012, 03:09 AM

I've got 2 Hifin spotted plecos and they both went thru that phase. Splotchy faded parts. It goes away. I took it that it was just part of them growing. Wouldn't worry about it.