Amazon Sword Problem?

[Taregreen]

Hello everyone. I have two large Amazon Swords (see pics) that have holes in the leaves. I can't tell if it's a nutrient deficiency or if something in the tank is eating them. I use root tabs and liquid ferts, so I don't think it's a nutrient deficiency. The fish I have in the tank that could potentially be eating them are a single Bristle-nosed Pleco, a couple Panda Garras and a couple of Buenos Aires Tetras. I didn't think that the Bristle nose would eat a healthy sword, especially if it has plenty of drift wood to munch on. I know that the B.A. Tetras will sometimes eat plants, but I've never seen them do it and I keep them well fed. As far as the Panda Garras go, I didn't think they ate live plants, either. Any thoughts?

Thanks!

 

[Seattle_Aquarist]

Hi @Taregreen

Definitely looks like physical damage, not a nutrient issue.  My first suspect would be the Pleco.  Some species of Plecos are fine and don't eat plants or wood, others do.  I had to return a Pleco to the store when I did my first planted tank 14 years ago because of the damage it did to my plants.  -Roy

[lefty o]

bristlenose pleco's like to eat swords if they arent getting enough food.