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I have what, as far as I know, is a common pleco. He looks common, and was marked and priced as common. He started out about 1.5 inches long, and now is about 5 inches. It took him about 8 months to grow this much. The thing is, I've had him over a year. So it seems he stopped growing about 4 months ago.

He is in a 46gal tank, and has always been very active.

I don't mind that he stopped, as it means I can keep him instead of trading him in. But I'm worried why he stopped. He couldn't be stunted like a goldfish in a bowl could he? He's 5 inchs in a 46gal tank, he's got lots of room.

Another possibility is that he hasn't stopped growning, but has greatly slowed down. Is this common for plecos?

thanks,

-Dennis

my plec jumped from less than 1 inch to 5 inches in about 6-ish months. then he spent the better part of a year growing to about 6 inches. now he's up to 9-ish inches (at least ) but of course, he's in a much bigger tank than i originally kept him in (50g now instead of 10g ) eventually you will have to get a bigger tank, i don't think your pleco is stunted yet.

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"That's the trouble with political jokes in this country... they get elected!" -- Dave Lippman

All large plecs slow considerably in growth once they hit the 6" or so mark. Expect him to reach at least a foot in length over a period of about 5 or so years--also, you'll want at least a 75 gallon for future reference.

Last edited by Cup_of_Lifenoodles at 26-Mar-2005 11:16

Sorry it's taken me so long to reply.

It sounds like he is growing at the expected rate. So I guess everything is good for now. I will always watch him, and won't let him get stuck in a tank that is to small.

-thanks,
-Dennis

Yup, that should be about right, my pleco grew to 5" in about 3 months, and now he isnt growing very fast.

Mine all went straight from 2" to about 9" without any pause, and in about 6 months at the longest - but I was keeping them in a 125 and feeding canned spinach twice weekly.

-Molly
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