Jake19 Posted July 17, 2023 Share Posted July 17, 2023 (edited) Hello, I purchased a L257 Tigris Pleco on 7/11. Saw it later that day and haven't seen it since. I tried looking under all of my decor today because I haven't had any luck seeing it. I've turned off the lights during the day, and checked at night like 30 minutes after shutting them off. Have put in algae wafers, and there is driftwood and some live plants in the tank. Any chance you think it could still be alive and I just missed it when trying to flip my decor to look under everything? Or think it's dead? Couldn't find a carcass but it's been several days so it could have been cleaned up by now. Thank you! Update: Added pictures of tank. Have removed the castles and 3 co-op planters with java fern and used a flashlight. Edited July 17, 2023 by Jake19 Added photos of tank 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jackson Posted July 17, 2023 Share Posted July 17, 2023 I flipped a decor on my common pleco and didn't find him till he was well dead . Like days before I moved it again for cleaning. I was bummed as he was a good glass cleaner . 😭 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Milliardo Peacecraft Posted July 17, 2023 Share Posted July 17, 2023 I have a clown pleco that hides in a house I have as decor in my tank, or at least I think he hides wedged in there somewhere and it will be weeks on end where I don't see him, and I'm convinced that he became sushi as I have fish that would clean him up and be quite happy about it... but then after a few weeks I'll spot him again and he's just fine and very healthy. He just is never visible. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nicole Posted July 17, 2023 Share Posted July 17, 2023 I’m so glad I’m not the only one who rarely sees their clown pleco. I have one who hides in this one spot under some driftwood and thick annubias bunch. I only see it if I lift it the whole thing for cleaning. I often wonder if he moves around at night. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lillypad Posted July 17, 2023 Share Posted July 17, 2023 I had a missing pleco once, and he didn’t show for 3 months! Only when I restarted that aquarium did I find him! I have a pleco now though that is out all the time… it just depends on the fish. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nabokovfan87 Posted July 17, 2023 Share Posted July 17, 2023 If possible, please post a photo of the tank so we can get an idea of what the decor looks like. What was the size of the pleco? If you have any artificial decor it would be a very good idea to try to find the fish and ensure it isn't stuck. They will put out their little dentrils to hold in place when you move the decor. Lift the decor in and out of the water as a method to encourage the fish to release. Use a flashlight, check all the small "tunnels" and try to find the fish. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tanked Posted July 17, 2023 Share Posted July 17, 2023 First of all, I love those castles. Hopefully, your fish hasn't jumped out. When smaller, mine would hook onto the back of the heater or HOB. You would never see them unless you shined the light directly on them. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nabokovfan87 Posted July 17, 2023 Share Posted July 17, 2023 On 7/17/2023 at 10:08 AM, Jake19 said: Update: Added pictures of tank. Have removed the castles and 3 co-op planters with java fern and used a flashlight. Well I can see why it's difficult to find the pleco. Are you still unable to find the fish? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jwcarlson Posted July 17, 2023 Share Posted July 17, 2023 Surprised you ever saw it in there. I have a barebottom discus tank with a single piece of driftwood and a pleco cave. I never see them unless their tale happens to be out of the cave. Not even during 90% water changes. I would be worried it's stuck inside one of the decor items if those are hollow though. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dutchaj Posted July 17, 2023 Share Posted July 17, 2023 I have a Pleco that I was convinced was dead for 6 months, then one day was hanging on the glass fanning some eggs 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jake19 Posted July 17, 2023 Author Share Posted July 17, 2023 Did a fairly large water change and checked in the decor. I was the only one cleaning so easily could've snuck out and into another hiding spot. I frequently see my Bristlenose and Galaxy Otocinclus but think this one might be gone unfortunately. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nabokovfan87 Posted July 18, 2023 Share Posted July 18, 2023 It's there somewhere.... Try to find it. If it got stuck you might have to pull the body to prevent ammonia spikes. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lefty o Posted July 18, 2023 Share Posted July 18, 2023 some pleco's, when they dont want to be seen, they wont be found. ive had clown plecos vanish for more than 6 months. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Odd Duck Posted July 19, 2023 Share Posted July 19, 2023 I try to take a picture every time I see my clown pleco but don’t always manage to get pics. The longest between documented sightings so far is 13 months but I did see him only a couple months ago but couldn’t get pics. I just have to take it on faith he’s still in there. 🤷🏻♀️ 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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