Just bought a "Hong Kong Pleco"

Sir_Cumference · Post by **Sir_Cumference** » 27 Sep 2005, 22:52

Well I was browsing around the LPS yesterday, hoping to find some otocinclus. Seeing that they didn't have any then, I was fascinated at this cool little pleco that was scurrying all over this small tank. I remebered seeing these before there (they are also sometimes reffered to as "Hillstream Loaches" I think), but never really contemplated getting one. I decided to get this little guy, and after purchasing it brought it home to my very-understocked 29G tank. So far it looks very happy, scooting all over scrounging for food and working on the algae.

I was doing some research online today though, and found that they like fast-current water, and also like to be in groups of 3 or more. Well my tank's filter pushes water out pretty hard and sends a fairly nice stream around that half of the tank, so I think that part of it is ok. Does anyone here know if it's really crucial to have more than one though? I wouldn't mind getting another one or two, but would like to make sure it's really necessary.

Thanks -SirC

Post by **Silurus** » 27 Sep 2005, 23:09

This is a hillstream loach, not a catfish. Plus, they do not really need to have company in the form of congeners.

sidguppy · Post by **sidguppy** » 27 Sep 2005, 23:32

It's fun however if you see them chasing each other, they can move very quick.

they also can and do change their color very fast, and some species have a bright blue or red pattern in the dorsal wich I believe is used as a signal to conspicifics.

you can see them "flashing" this dorsal to each other if you keep them in a group.

But you need to keep an eye out, their territorial nature can be fierce; the lower ranking members should be able to feed and hide.