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I want to start adding java ferns and anubias to my rainbow/pleco tank, but wonder if my large flash pleco will eat them. I used to have a gibby that rasped through java ferns with ease.

The 204 has plenty of wood (and eats it a lot), so would it avoid plants? Would it prefer them? Thanks!!

Andy

I have three large adults and they do not bother the Java Fern or Anubius in my tank at all except maybe uprooting one every now an then.

My java ferns and anubias have never been eaten, i do feed lots of vegetables, maybe this keeps them from starting on the plants.

that's good news...thanks!!!

I beleive both of those plants have an oil or something that makes them taste bad to fish.

Maybe to some but I have some Tropheus and a large group of clown loaches that don't seem to think so.

I might be wrong but I think I remember there being something about that.

I used to have other plants, which the fish (especially the loaches) used to hang on the leaves.

They seem to avoid the java ferns, they dont like coming near it, but they will lie on the anubias.

Same for the small BN's, they also seem to spend less time on the java ferns.

My L204s will rasp on the anubias and sword plants occasionally. They don't bother java fern.

Also, while most fish don't bother the anubias, Congo Tetras will eat the young leaves of anubias, just as they begin to unroll - these tetras will also eat the anubias flowers.

At this point, I'm thinking of selling most of my L's and moving to a full planted tank.

-P

Indeed, anubias do not have any secretory substances that prevent predation from herbivorous species--they just tend to be quite tough, and as such, most potential diners desist.