Sort and data help!
Sort and data help!
I had a pleco for many years... about 10" full grown, and lived about 25 years (yes, I know, sites say they live for 15). He ignored flake foods, plants, driftwood. He ate green algae growing on the glass, filters, plants, rocks, driftwood, etc. Nocturnal. Occasionally skittish, but didn't seem to mind when I cleaned the tank; sometimes let me touch him. Now that he died, I want to get another pleco, but I am having a hard time of it. I don't remember what kind he was, and I don't have to get one identical to him, but like him. Meaning, peaceful, easy to keep, primarily eats algae, etc. So far I keep finding plecos that get too big (I want to stay under 11"). Or, like a vampire pleco Leporacanthicus cf. galaxias L240, I found out they eat a varied diet. Some eat driftwood, and it is essential for them. Some are temperamental about water quality or conditions. Some eat algae when little, but then less and less as they grow. I read about one pleco that would attack other fish!! I can't find a database or key that I can search by size, temperment, diet, etc. I was on another site forum and the first recommendation someone made was for a Trinidad Pleco (or common pleco!! Seriously?? It is omnivore and gets to 24"!! I would appreciate a recommendation for something that gets 8 to 1l inches big, and prefers algae as a diet, and that is a peaceful fish. I like some of the sailfin types, but not sure if they are the best choice. Any ideas?
Re: Sort and data help!
UPDATE. My previous one looked a LOT like Pterygoplichthys pardalis L021 picture on this site, but it says they get to more than 12 inches; mine was 10. Another site said they get to 18" Whoa! One site said they love algae, especially when young, but were omnivores and need other supplemental foods. Another site said they were great algae eaters and that was their preferred diet! I am so confused!!