Pleco (camoflauge or dying)

[nfeagle5]

Ive had this pleco for like 1.5 years and i just switched my tank to sand. I noticed that his color has changed and is almost the exact color of the sand. What i dont know however is if this is supposed to happen and if he might be dying. He is acting his normal self but with all the discoloration im not sure what to do. I put him back in my 20g and his coloring is back to normal (within 5 mins).
Somebody help me out
TIA

 

[RogerMcAllen]

If he is still acting normal, the coloration is probably just due to camoflauge. You might want to keep an on him just in case he is stressed.

 

[lmw80]

plecos do camoflauge themselves...I agree with Roger...keep an eye on him, but don't get too worried over this.

 

[Menagerie]

Camo pleco!!

 

[fearlessfisch]

What a cool fish!

I wonder if he camouflages on purpose or if he's saying, "Hey, what the heck happened to me? "

 

[Fluff]

My plecos change colors depending where they are in the tank. I have natural gravel and when on the bottom they are sandy colored. When they are on the driftwood they are almost black. Pretty cool.

 

[nfeagle5]

very good
thought he was gona die

he keeps changin lol

 

[Menagerie]

Think of how much fun this will be! You can always play "find the pleco"!! It's a great game, I play "find the flounders" all the time.

 

[fearlessfisch]

that is so cool. i have a pitch black pleco on white sand. he probably figures it's hopeless to try.

 

[Cafe Jeff]

I find my plecos often change their hue according to the colour of the surface they are glued too. Alas, when on the glass they do not become transparent. Now this may be a stupid question, but are there any issues with keeping Plecos in tanks with sand. I ask this because I always see particles of sand on my Pleco's topside and hope he isn't inhaling the stuff. This phenomenon happens to no other fish including my other three Plex. Jeff

 

[Maillis]

Most plecos come from muddy river bottoms, they're used to sucking up dirt and stuff, usually they just pass it right out through their gills and it doesn't bother them.

 

[RogerMcAllen]

I have no problems with my plec on the sand. He scoots around without much problem looking for a bit to eat.

 

[Cafe Jeff]

Good to hear.
I have become rather attached to the sucker. Jeff