Can a Raphael catfish kill a pleco?

deter00005 · Post by **deter00005** » 06 Nov 2007, 16:22

I have 4 stripped raphael's in a 120 gallon tank, and recently picked up a bristlenose pleco, the pleco and raphael were hanging out in the same log together they were both about 3 inches. Could he have stung the pleco and cause his death? thank you for any and all help.

MatsP · Post by **MatsP** » 06 Nov 2007, 16:25

Sounds unlikely. Pleco's (bristlenose or otherwise) should be able to defend itself reasonably well.

--
Mats

Post by **medaka** » 06 Nov 2007, 23:40

As Mats says it is unlikely, So I have to ask myself what else could have caused the demise of your bristle nose.
First is what other tank mates are there?
and secondly what are your pH, GH, and nitrate readings?

deter00005 · Post by **deter00005** » 07 Nov 2007, 16:19

he shared the tank with an O and a common pleco, the water was tested and everything is normal. any other thoughts.

MatsP · Post by **MatsP** » 07 Nov 2007, 16:45

What's an "O"? And certainly a common pleco that is large enough would potentially kill any small pleco - they don't necessarily "appreciate" intruders.

--
Mats

Plecofanatic1989 · Post by **Plecofanatic1989** » 22 Nov 2007, 08:59

How long did you have the plec? Maybe he was sick when you bought him?

Tracey · Post by **Tracey** » 22 Nov 2007, 18:50

An "O" is most likely an Oscar. Depending on size, I'd say that was most likely the cause of death. I've heard of many a Bristlenose being lost to a hungry Oscar.

deter00005 · Post by **deter00005** » 22 Nov 2007, 23:23

i had him for around a month or so. My oscar is a very easy going guy he dosent pay much attention to anyone else in the tank.

deter00005 · Post by **deter00005** » 22 Nov 2007, 23:25

I dont think he was sick the lfs where i buy my fish i have never had any trouble it when i make those impulse purchases at the big fish stores is where i seem to get problems where they die of rather quick.

darkwolf29a · Post by **darkwolf29a** » 26 Nov 2007, 13:18

How big is the Oscar? Mine would eat the Pleco in the tank with him, if he could. Honestly...he can't fit it in his mouth, and that keeps him safe.

bushynose_cory · Post by **bushynose_cory** » 11 Jan 2008, 08:05

I was once bitten by my 11cm late(Dead, dried-up) raphael, and it didn't really hurt.

I think it's the oscar too. Was the bushynose's head all smashed up or something like that?

deter00005 · Post by **deter00005** » 17 Jan 2008, 02:43

No, when i found him he was in one piece. That's why I thought he or she was stung and died. Anyother thoughts? Thank you for your input guys it's really helpful.

Can a Raphael catfish kill a pleco?

Can a Raphael catfish kill a pleco?

Re: Can a Raphael catfish kill a pl*co?

Re: Can a Raphael catfish kill a pl*co?