How do I know if my pleco is eating?

[PirateTankGirl]

Hello all,

I’m brand new to the forum. I just restarted an old tank a few months ago. My tank is a 75 gallon. I have a fluval fx2 filter with peat in it to add tannins into the water as the goal is to have angels eventually, again. All of the plants and wood are real. I have a heater but it is not on right now and temp is sitting around 75 degrees. I keep a journal and test daily and everything has been stable at 6.5ph no3 0 no2 0 kh40 gh30. My issue is that I have 3 dozen goldfish in there right now and they are pretty aggressive eaters. I added a leopard frog pleco less than 48 hours ago and I am concerned that he’s not getting enough food. I am feeding flakes to the Goldie’s. I have been adding in ultra fresh tropical shrimp pie and ultra fresh vegetable shrimp pie for the little pleco. I have been trying to place them with tweezers near it. I have not seen it eat. I have seen the Goldie’s go after them though. I added a pleco banquet block as well. The Goldie’s leave it alone but again have not see the pleco on it. Today, after adding all of those things yesterday it seems much more lively even during the day moving around the tank. But he’s just a little guy and I’m so worried he’s not getting food. I read online to look at the belly to see if it looks emancipated. I can’t tell? I’m going to attach some photos of the day I brought him home and today as well as the tank. Any advice would be appreciated. Thank you so much.

 

[fishkeeper123]

I would get some spirulina wafers, my Bristlenose goes crazy for those, you won’t see him eat it as the leopard frogs plecos are very shy but just check if it’s eaten if not try different food. Plecos will eat driftwood as well so I’m sure he will be fine. They only normally eat at night so bare that in mind. Goldfish are cold water fish and leopard frog plecos will want higher temperatures so they aren’t good tank mates, angels the same as the pleco. I would say the pleco and angels should go well together.

 

[PirateTankGirl]

I would get some spirulina wafers, my Bristlenose goes crazy for those, you won’t see him eat it as the leopard frogs plecos are very shy but just check if it’s eaten if not try different food. Plecos will eat driftwood as well so I’m sure he will be fine. They only normally eat at night so bare that in mind. Goldfish are cold water fish and leopard frog plecos will want higher temperatures so they aren’t good tank mates, angels the same as the pleco. I would say the pleco and angels should go well together.

Thank you! The goldfish aren’t going to be long term thankfully. I am working with a local pet shop that is willing to take them back when I am ready to transition to the angelfish.

 

[Andy Sager]

Unless you see them eating, the only way to know is to check their underside. This is a pic of a feeding pleco: and this is of one that's not eating:

 

[PirateTankGirl]

Unless you see them eating, the only way to know is to check their underside. This is a pic of a feeding pleco: View attachment 391872 and this is of one that's not eating: View attachment 391873

Thank you! This is really helpful! I’m trying to get a better look at his belly because he’s super tiny and hides. But I did notice some pot holes on the banquet block and he’s been much more active. But now I know what to look for!