Pleco Behavior

[Zac]

Today I found my clown pleco just laying on his back like he got tired of latching onto the driftwood. I tested the water and Ammonia is 0, nitrite 0, and nitrate about 20-30 (water change day is tomorrow). I’m not super worried at the moment because he zoomed off when I opened the lid to the tank and he’s active regularly. Has anyone else seen this? He is looking a little chunky so maybe that’s it? I feed him usually half an algae wafer every other day and sometimes a whole one. I’m probably going to fast him for a few days because me thought is that he’s just sluggish from too much food. What are your guys’ thoughts?

[Dawn T]

That's a new one on me! I've seen them hang upside down, but never lying on their back like that. Really bizarre. Hopefully it's just the fish being a goof and not a sign of something bad going on.

[Colu]

I   don't think you need to fast him if your just feeding him algae wafers or half of one every other day I don't think he's getting enough variety in his diet I would feed him some cucumber blanched lettuce or some zucchini and some frozen blood worms every now and then for some protein I feed my bristlenose every day with a variety of food I have never had any health issues with them and they breed let me rabbits

[Zac]

On 11/20/2021 at 7:38 PM, Colu said:

I   don't think you need to fast him if your just feeding him algae wafers or half of one every other day I don't think he's getting enough variety in his diet I would feed him some cucumber blanched lettuce or some zucchini and some frozen blood worms every now and then for some protein I feed my bristlenose every day with a variety of food I have never had any health issues with them and they breed let me rabbits

He probably gets some flakes that fall to the ground from normal feeding time. How should I put the cucumber in the tank so it doesn’t rot 

[Colu]

What I do is cut a piece peel the skin of and rinse it  off and push plant weights into one end so it sinks  I leave it for 24 hr and then remove it I haven't had any water quality problems I have been feed veggies to fish for 20 years 

[Guppysnail]

I have seen this.  They sleep and occasionally let go of what they are latched on. Mine do it occasionally. Scared the daylights out of me at first. Mine breed prolifically and are healthy so probably no worries. 

[lefty o]

never seen one do that myself.

[Copper Ridge Life]

I have seen this behavior in bristlenose plecos many times when they are comfortable with their tank mates and surroundings or kept alone with appropriate hides and caves. They just seem to fall asleep and let go of their surface. I have never seen it as a sign of distress. Once something startles them or swims by, they right themselves pretty quick. Cute little plec you have there.