Pleco with Angels?

[BC Mosaic]

I have a planted 40g with 2 Angels (hopefully they'll breed) along with 5 Cories and 6 Ottos.
Can I put in a pleco? If yes, I'd prefer one that did not grow tooo large, any recommendations?
Thanks

[thegrandpoohbah]

Depends on the pleco. A common pleco will get too big and will destroy your plants. I'd recommend a bristle nose pleco. They only get to about 4" long and would suit your tank nicely. They do require driftwood to be happy though as it is part of their diet. I think there are a couple people here that breed them. Try Melody or Mykiss.

[Melody]

Member 'Mykiss' is your BN Pleco guy - I just do it occasionally for fun and don't have any at the moment. He has all sorts of varieties and they're healthy.

I agree with Mr. GP, depends on the Pleco. Bristlenoses are small and mild-mannered, plus they look cool. They're also tireless workers.

[_Aaron_]

I would agree a bristlenose(fits the tank size), as I have 6, would be a good fit. They do not get like a bull in a china shop like a common would get with plants, banging them around and all.

[blainep]

Just a note on Plecos and breeding angels. A pleco will love fresh Angelfish eggs !

I know mine does. :err:

[Melody]

That never even occured to me! That's the wonderful thing about forums... wouldn't the Angels beat him up?

[BC Mosaic]

That never even occured to me! ... wouldn't the Angels beat him up?

That was my thought too. (Great minds think...think....something or other)
The female doesn't like snails hanging around on the glass walls either.

[Melody]

I don't breed Angels so I'm sure Blaine or others could advise you better than I in that respect. It was more a question than anything :laugh: . Plecos do prefer the night so maybe they sneak in there.

[crazeycat]

Would the cories eat the angelfish eggs too?
crazeycat

[Shelley]

I've had quite a few pairs of Angels. Once they pair up and start breeding they will KILL anything else in the tank. They are very territorial and will protect their eggs and babies viciously. If your going to have breeding pairs of angels they need to be the only occupants of the tank.

[blainep]

That never even occured to me! That's the wonderful thing about forums... wouldn't the Angels beat him up?

They'll try, but a Pleco is all armor ! A few bites from an Angel won't bother a Pleco at all.

[BC Mosaic]

Thank you Shelley and everyone else!
If and when it happens that they breed, I will then keep an eye out for the cories and ottos. In the meantime I won't add any more fish.
Thanks again.

[BC_Kron]

I am currently breeding Angels, and YES, when the lights are out, that little guy (pigmy pleco) sniffs those eggs right out...he usually waits a night or sometimes two, but WILL go for the eggs. The only time he doesn't eat them is when the parents decide fighting him is useless and they eat them themselves...However I've had three, outta many, hatch out to free swimming fry. My parents can't be bothered with raising the fry on their own for more than a few days, they eat 'em. I've heard many other people whose Angels are great parents. Mine are definately aggressive after laying eggs but I have koolie loaches, unpaired angels, pigmy plecos, zebra plecos, bristlenose plecos, (not all in one tank but in different angel breeding tanks) and no deaths, just the occasional nipped fin. So I guess it'll all be up to trial and error with the Angels that you have.


Good Luck,
Keep us informed on how things go, love to hear about others breeding fish!!!!

Jackie

[Melody]

Amazing how experiences can vary. At least we're prepared for anything!:smile:

[BC Mosaic]

Ain't that the truth Melody.
Thanks everyone.
The tank will stay with the existing tenants.:yes:

[amber2461]

Remember to keep us updated though !!!:laugh:

[Melody]

Marge, are you implying that none of our tanks ever stay with the existing tenants? :laugh:

[BC Mosaic]

You betcha Marge!:yes: and everybody else too!!!:laugh:

Thanks