{"id":11378,"date":"2023-09-10T14:57:15","date_gmt":"2023-09-10T14:57:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/keepingcatfish.com\/?p=11378"},"modified":"2023-11-05T15:17:07","modified_gmt":"2023-11-05T15:17:07","slug":"what-do-plecos-eat","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/keepingcatfish.com\/what-do-plecos-eat\/","title":{"rendered":"What do Plecos Eat? Healthiest Pleco Diet (Full Guide)"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t<div data-elementor-type=\"wp-post\" data-elementor-id=\"11378\" class=\"elementor elementor-11378\" data-elementor-post-type=\"post\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-5611537 elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"5611537\" data-element_type=\"section\" data-settings=\"{&quot;jet_parallax_layout_list&quot;:[]}\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-13f7e44\" data-id=\"13f7e44\" data-element_type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-21f57cb elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"21f57cb\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t<style>\/*! elementor - v3.17.0 - 01-11-2023 *\/\n.elementor-widget-text-editor.elementor-drop-cap-view-stacked .elementor-drop-cap{background-color:#69727d;color:#fff}.elementor-widget-text-editor.elementor-drop-cap-view-framed .elementor-drop-cap{color:#69727d;border:3px solid;background-color:transparent}.elementor-widget-text-editor:not(.elementor-drop-cap-view-default) .elementor-drop-cap{margin-top:8px}.elementor-widget-text-editor:not(.elementor-drop-cap-view-default) .elementor-drop-cap-letter{width:1em;height:1em}.elementor-widget-text-editor .elementor-drop-cap{float:left;text-align:center;line-height:1;font-size:50px}.elementor-widget-text-editor .elementor-drop-cap-letter{display:inline-block}<\/style>\t\t\t\t<p>If you like pleco fish, you know that different species have different eating habits. Many aquarists struggle to find the best way to feed these fish, which can lead to problems and illnesses.<\/p><p>This article will talk about how to provide your pleco with the healthiest diet possible.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-6043085 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"6043085\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t<style>\/*! elementor - v3.17.0 - 01-11-2023 *\/\n.elementor-heading-title{padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1}.elementor-widget-heading .elementor-heading-title[class*=elementor-size-]>a{color:inherit;font-size:inherit;line-height:inherit}.elementor-widget-heading .elementor-heading-title.elementor-size-small{font-size:15px}.elementor-widget-heading .elementor-heading-title.elementor-size-medium{font-size:19px}.elementor-widget-heading .elementor-heading-title.elementor-size-large{font-size:29px}.elementor-widget-heading .elementor-heading-title.elementor-size-xl{font-size:39px}.elementor-widget-heading .elementor-heading-title.elementor-size-xxl{font-size:59px}<\/style><h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">The importance of a varied diet for plecos<\/h2>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-998183e elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"998183e\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Ensuring a balanced and varied diet for plecos is vital in keeping these animals healthy.<\/p><p>Being complex living beings, plecos require several nutrients to keep their body functioning properly and their health up to date.<\/p><p>Understanding the importance of a proper diet for these fish helps us understand their nutritional needs and how we can efficiently meet them.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-5e7fbf1 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"5e7fbf1\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t<h3 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Diverse Nutrients for Optimal Health\n<\/h3>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-f44ee51 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"f44ee51\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>From a technical point of view, we can say that commercial foods have all the nutrients in the ideal amount for the fish to be nourished, meaning that high-quality pet food specifically for the pleco you keep will meet all their dietary needs.<\/p><p>In practice, we know that it works differently. The greater the variety of foods, the more showy and with behavior close to natural are the plecos.<\/p><p><span style=\"font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit;\">The group of fish known as plecos comprises fish included in the Loricariidae family. This group is so diverse that different species have different food preferences.<\/span><\/p><p>Plecos develop their eating habits concerning where they live. These fish exploit a variety of foods with diverse origins, and <a href=\"https:\/\/keepingcatfish.com\/pleco-mouth\/\">their anatomy<\/a> is tailored towards certain types of food.<\/p><p>We must know <a href=\"https:\/\/keepingcatfish.com\/pleco-identification-guide\/\">which species<\/a> we keep to offer the appropriate food. It is best to replicate the diversified diet these plecos find<a href=\"http:\/\/keepingcatfish.com\/pleco-habitat\"> in nature<\/a>, ensuring they remain healthy and nourished.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-3a8cfef elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"3a8cfef\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t<h3 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Preventing deficiencies in diet<\/h3>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-6ec0604 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"6ec0604\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>A diet based on only one food can lead to nutritional deficiencies in pleco fish, and a wrong diet can cause many health problems, even <a href=\"https:\/\/keepingcatfish.com\/pleco-dying\/\">death<\/a>.<\/p><p>Vitamins and amino acids outside the ideal amount can weaken the fish&#8217;s immune system, making it more susceptible to <a href=\"https:\/\/keepingcatfish.com\/pleco-diseases\/\">diseases<\/a> and even leading to some syndrome or premature death. Mineral deficiencies directly affect growth and development as well as water quality.<\/p><p>Herbivorous fish may not digest certain proteins of animal origin, leading to a poor diet and possible intestinal problems.<\/p><p><b>Offer a varied diet, using foods that are in harmony with the fish&#8217;s habits and digestive system.<\/b><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-50f3689 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"50f3689\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t<h3 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Natural behavior<\/h3>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-9a576c9 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"9a576c9\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tIs known that with a varied diet, we replicate specific natural dietary patterns. This contributes to the physical health and well-being of the plecos.\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-3fc4937 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"3fc4937\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t<h3 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Promotes healthy coloration and vitality<\/h3>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-f1a4f25 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"f1a4f25\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>The health of the plecos and the well-being practiced by the varied diet affects the shape of its body and its coloration.<\/p><p>Some foods are rich in natural dyes, such as carotenoids, which incredibly enhance the natural colors of fish. The body change is up to the fish to remain healthy and within the correct weight.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-f5caf4c elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"f5caf4c\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Omnivorous plecos &amp; their diet<\/h2>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-f46f2f9 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"f46f2f9\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Omnivorous plecos have the most diverse diet, feeding on plant and animal foods.<\/p><p>Each species will have a greater tendency to consume a certain food group. An example is the Golden Nugget Pleco, an omnivorous pleco with a great tendency to feed on algae.<\/p><p>Omnivorous plecos are easy to feed in captivity, readily accepting different foods. The difficulty lies in dimensioning the diet and correctly offering the proportion of plant foods concerning animal protein.<\/p><p>Some well-known omnivorous plecos include: bristlenose pleco, common pleco and the clown pleco.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-b5010d1 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"b5010d1\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t<h3 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">How to vary in feeding the omnivorous pleco<\/h3>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-1468597 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"1468597\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Most species of omnivorous plecos (such as Panaqolus and Hypancistrus) are not picky eaters.<\/p><p>Unless there is some specific need (such as high algae content in the case of some Baryancistrus and Hypancistrus, (or the need for driftwood in Panaqolus), we can offer a balanced mix of both types of food.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-1c206b6 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"1c206b6\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t<h3 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Using quality foods<\/h3>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-ecd1694 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"ecd1694\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Using quality food is always a maxim within an ideal diet. Use dry feeds such as pellets, tabs, and other high-quality bottom feeds suitable for plecos.<br \/>The quality of the ingredients explains the price difference between commercial foods.<\/p><p>Let&#8217;s use vitamin C as an example. Vit C is an expensive ingredient in feed manufacture. It may represent over 30% of the total cost. Low-cost foods use an inferior source of vitamin C, and falling into the water, this type of Vit C almost instantly loses all its content.<\/p><p>More expensive feeds (high-quality foods) use better quality vitamin C, which takes longer to degrade, being fully utilized by the fish and with no nutrients lost.<\/p><p>When offering fresh foods like vegetables, use those of organic origin and properly sanitize them.<\/p><p>When using live or fresh foods of animal origin, pay attention to where they come from. Many foods are bred or collected in facilities of dubious quality, carrying pathogens.<\/p><p>My absolute favorite food is\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/Repashy-Bottom-Scratcher-Jar\/dp\/B01DSCKLFK?keywords=repashy+bottom+scratcher&amp;qid=1692964249&amp;sprefix=repashy+bottom%2Caps%2C184&amp;sr=8-1&amp;linkCode=ll1&amp;tag=keepingcatfish-20&amp;linkId=0a58faf5ce31f86c72d1b9fddc20aa39&amp;language=en_US&amp;ref_=as_li_ss_tl\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Repashy<\/a>. Please scroll down to see a full list of the best foods for plecos.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-cc1625b elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"cc1625b\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Herbivorous plecos &amp; their diet<\/h2>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-9a3940e elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"9a3940e\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Herbivorous plecos eat an exorbitant amount of food daily and are the most difficult plecos to aquafeed properly in aquariums.<\/p><p>Many of these plecos in the wild have a super-specific diet, with teeth and mouths designed to scrape algae from surfaces or feed on soft algae.<\/p><p>In the aquarium, many of them (like the otociclus catfish) are used as a cleaning crew, keeping the tank algae free. Because they are voracious algae eaters, the algae and biofilm in the tank surfaces run out quickly and, without a proper diet, these fish will suffer.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-8fb1ecf elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"8fb1ecf\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t<h3 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Feeding herbivorous plecos<\/h3>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-96788a1 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"96788a1\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>The mainstay of the diet of herbivorous plecos is algae. Each species of herbivorous pleco is adapted to feed on a specific type of algae, which is difficult to replicate in aquariums.<\/p><p>To supply this specific diet we must offer a variety of commercial foods composed of different algae (such as spirulina and aufwuchs) supplemented by fresh foods such as cucumbers, zucchini, carrots, nori seaweed, and other vegetables.<\/p><p>When offering fresh food, ensure it is clean and free of chemicals. Some aquarists blanch the vegetables before offering them to the plecos, making the food more tender.<\/p><p>Only keep fresh vegetables in the aquarium during the feeding time. If the plecos show no interest, remove the vegetables after a few minutes.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-7a29201 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"7a29201\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t<h3 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Algae wafers<\/h3>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-6f9d214 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"6f9d214\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>A high-quality algae pellet is a great way to provide your pleco with extra nutrients.<\/p>\n<p>Click here for my pick, or buy <a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/Repashy-Soilent-Green-Oz-JAR\/dp\/B00J17NKTG?crid=2JSAU168XUDJ2&amp;keywords=repashy+green+soilent&amp;qid=1692965030&amp;sprefix=repashy+green+soilent%2Caps%2C194&amp;sr=8-2&amp;linkCode=ll1&amp;tag=keepingcatfish-20&amp;linkId=37cff02f689a60a0a334bdb37d7013b3&amp;language=en_US&amp;ref_=as_li_ss_tl\">Repashy foods<\/a>, which also have great <a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/Hikari-Usa-AHK21328-tropical-8-8-Ounce\/dp\/B00025Z6K2?crid=3VVGM00R4KV52&amp;keywords=hikari%2Balgae%2Bpellet&amp;qid=1692965054&amp;sprefix=hikari%2Balgae%2Bpelle%2Caps%2C166&amp;sr=8-3&amp;th=1&amp;linkCode=ll1&amp;tag=keepingcatfish-20&amp;linkId=8fd479a5448363a98b037bd30d4c02be&amp;language=en_US&amp;ref_=as_li_ss_tl\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">algae based formulas<\/a>.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-1ac27ed elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"1ac27ed\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Carnivorous plecos &amp; their diet<\/h2>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-1101307 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"1101307\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>There are a few species of plecos that are strictly carnivores. Pseudacanthicus and banjos (Bunocephalus sp.) are examples of carnivore species.<\/p><p>Few carnivorous plecos are predators and those that are hunt by ambush. As is the case with banjos, which wait for unsuspecting fish to pass in front of their mouths. Most carnivore plecos feed on larvae, insects, dead fish, mollusks, and crustaceans.<\/p><p>Carnivorous plecos have prominent teeth and are slow-growing fish that often reach large sizes (+ 12 inches).<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-2e9202f elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"2e9202f\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t<style>\/*! elementor - v3.17.0 - 01-11-2023 *\/\n.elementor-widget-image{text-align:center}.elementor-widget-image a{display:inline-block}.elementor-widget-image a img[src$=\".svg\"]{width:48px}.elementor-widget-image img{vertical-align:middle;display:inline-block}<\/style>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<figure class=\"wp-caption\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"532\" src=\"https:\/\/keepingcatfish.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/8631047359_1e5fee386e_c-1-1.jpg\" class=\"attachment-large size-large wp-image-10130\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/keepingcatfish.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/8631047359_1e5fee386e_c-1-1.jpg 800w, https:\/\/keepingcatfish.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/8631047359_1e5fee386e_c-1-1-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/keepingcatfish.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/8631047359_1e5fee386e_c-1-1-768x511.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<figcaption class=\"widget-image-caption wp-caption-text\">Photo by Josh More on Flickr<\/figcaption>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-3d9a681 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"3d9a681\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t<h3 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">A balanced diet for carnivores<\/h3>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-2553ab0 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"2553ab0\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tFor carnivorous plecos, we must offer food of animal origin. Shrimp, bloodworms, earthworms, and carnivore-sinking food are essential for a varied diet.\nDue to the quality of the protein, its digestion takes longer, which makes these fish feed in smaller quantities when compared to other plecos.\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-0824a75 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"0824a75\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t<h3 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Maintaining a varied diet<\/h3>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-4652c27 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"4652c27\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Maintaining variety for carnivorous plecos is easy. We find in pet stores a wide range of live or frozen food for fish and reptiles; Plecos quickly accepted several types of these foods.<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Use at least one commercial staple food label, alternating with other foods as snacks.<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Frozen foods are available such as artemia biomass, tubifex, and mosquito larvae. As long as you know that these foods come from a reliable and clean source, they are essential in the carnivore diet.<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Some hobbyists use foods such as chicken, pork, beef, or fish fillet. As much as plecos may accept these foods, they are far from ideal within a plecos diet and should be avoided.<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-a501a65 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"a501a65\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Driftwood in the pleco diet<\/h2>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-41a15b2 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"41a15b2\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>For years, scientists have tried to understand the feeding mechanism of plecos that consume driftwood. Research shows that microorganisms in the fish digestive trait break the lignin.<\/p><p>These microorganisms are essential for the correct fish metabolism of other ingested foods. Fish of the genus Panaque feed almost exclusively on wood, biofilm, and other foods such as algae.<\/p><p>For herbivorous and omnivorous plecos, they will constantly forage the driftwood so it&#8217;s always useful to add a piece to your tank.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-26ab1ca elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"26ab1ca\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t<h3 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Benefits of driftwood<\/h3>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-1e02e23 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"1e02e23\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Many aquarists use driftwood to loosen tannins in the aquarium, thus slowly lowering the hardness and pH of the water. As it is porous, its surface will also serve for the fixation of beneficial bacteria, vital to the good health of the aquarium.<\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In addition to food supplements and water quality, driftwood also offers other benefits to aquarium inhabitants. We can use it to create caves and refuges where plecos often seek shelter and protection. Driftwood also gives the viewer a more natural aesthetic on the tank.<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-3c508ec elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"3c508ec\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"640\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/keepingcatfish.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/antenna-catfish-g856102712_640.jpg\" class=\"attachment-large size-large wp-image-9851\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/keepingcatfish.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/antenna-catfish-g856102712_640.jpg 640w, https:\/\/keepingcatfish.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/antenna-catfish-g856102712_640-300x225.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-b446bf6 elementor-blockquote--skin-border elementor-blockquote--button-color-official elementor-widget elementor-widget-blockquote\" data-id=\"b446bf6\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"blockquote.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t<style>\/*! elementor-pro - v3.14.0 - 26-06-2023 *\/\n@charset \"UTF-8\";.entry-content blockquote.elementor-blockquote:not(.alignright):not(.alignleft),.entry-summary blockquote.elementor-blockquote{margin-right:0;margin-left:0}.elementor-widget-blockquote blockquote{margin:0;padding:0;outline:0;font-size:100%;vertical-align:baseline;background:transparent;quotes:none;border:0;font-style:normal;color:#3f444b}.elementor-widget-blockquote blockquote .e-q-footer:after,.elementor-widget-blockquote blockquote .e-q-footer:before,.elementor-widget-blockquote blockquote:after,.elementor-widget-blockquote blockquote:before,.elementor-widget-blockquote blockquote cite:after,.elementor-widget-blockquote blockquote cite:before{content:none}.elementor-blockquote{transition:.3s}.elementor-blockquote__author,.elementor-blockquote__content{margin-bottom:0;font-style:normal}.elementor-blockquote__author{font-weight:700}.elementor-blockquote .e-q-footer{margin-top:12px;display:flex;justify-content:space-between}.elementor-blockquote__tweet-button{display:flex;transition:.3s;color:#1da1f2;align-self:flex-end;line-height:1;position:relative;width:-moz-max-content;width:max-content}.elementor-blockquote__tweet-button:hover{color:#0967a0}.elementor-blockquote__tweet-button span{font-weight:600}.elementor-blockquote__tweet-button i,.elementor-blockquote__tweet-button span{vertical-align:middle}.elementor-blockquote__tweet-button i+span,.elementor-blockquote__tweet-button svg+span{margin-left:.5em}.elementor-blockquote__tweet-button svg{fill:#1da1f2;height:1em;width:1em}.elementor-blockquote__tweet-label{white-space:pre-wrap}.elementor-blockquote--button-skin-bubble .elementor-blockquote__tweet-button,.elementor-blockquote--button-skin-classic .elementor-blockquote__tweet-button{padding:.7em 1.2em;border-radius:100em;background-color:#1da1f2;color:#fff;font-size:15px}.elementor-blockquote--button-skin-bubble .elementor-blockquote__tweet-button:hover,.elementor-blockquote--button-skin-classic .elementor-blockquote__tweet-button:hover{background-color:#0967a0;color:#fff}.elementor-blockquote--button-skin-bubble .elementor-blockquote__tweet-button:hover:before,.elementor-blockquote--button-skin-classic .elementor-blockquote__tweet-button:hover:before{border-right-color:#0967a0}.elementor-blockquote--button-skin-bubble .elementor-blockquote__tweet-button svg,.elementor-blockquote--button-skin-classic .elementor-blockquote__tweet-button svg{fill:#fff;height:1em;width:1em}.elementor-blockquote--button-skin-bubble.elementor-blockquote--button-view-icon .elementor-blockquote__tweet-button,.elementor-blockquote--button-skin-classic.elementor-blockquote--button-view-icon .elementor-blockquote__tweet-button{padding:0;width:2em;height:2em}.elementor-blockquote--button-skin-bubble.elementor-blockquote--button-view-icon .elementor-blockquote__tweet-button i,.elementor-blockquote--button-skin-classic.elementor-blockquote--button-view-icon .elementor-blockquote__tweet-button i{position:absolute;left:50%;top:50%;transform:translate(-50%,-50%)}.elementor-blockquote--button-skin-bubble .elementor-blockquote__tweet-button:before{content:\"\";border:.5em solid transparent;border-right-color:#1da1f2;position:absolute;left:-.8em;top:50%;transform:translateY(-50%) scaleY(.65);transition:.3s}.elementor-blockquote--button-skin-bubble.elementor-blockquote--align-left .elementor-blockquote__tweet-button:before{right:auto;left:-.8em;border-right-color:#1da1f2;border-left-color:transparent}.elementor-blockquote--button-skin-bubble.elementor-blockquote--align-left .elementor-blockquote__tweet-button:hover:before{border-right-color:#0967a0}.elementor-blockquote--button-skin-bubble.elementor-blockquote--align-right .elementor-blockquote__tweet-button:before{left:auto;right:-.8em;border-right-color:transparent;border-left-color:#1da1f2}.elementor-blockquote--button-skin-bubble.elementor-blockquote--align-right .elementor-blockquote__tweet-button:hover:before{border-left-color:#0967a0}.elementor-blockquote--skin-boxed .elementor-blockquote{background-color:#f9fafa;padding:30px}.elementor-blockquote--skin-border .elementor-blockquote{border-color:#f9fafa;border-left:7px #f9fafa;border-style:solid;padding-left:20px}.elementor-blockquote--skin-quotation .elementor-blockquote:before{content:\"\u201c\";font-size:100px;color:#f9fafa;font-family:Times New Roman,Times,serif;font-weight:900;line-height:1;display:block;height:.6em}.elementor-blockquote--skin-quotation .elementor-blockquote__content{margin-top:15px}.elementor-blockquote--align-left .elementor-blockquote__content{text-align:left}.elementor-blockquote--align-left .elementor-blockquote .e-q-footer{flex-direction:row}.elementor-blockquote--align-right .elementor-blockquote__content{text-align:right}.elementor-blockquote--align-right .elementor-blockquote .e-q-footer{flex-direction:row-reverse}.elementor-blockquote--align-center .elementor-blockquote{text-align:center}.elementor-blockquote--align-center .elementor-blockquote .e-q-footer,.elementor-blockquote--align-center .elementor-blockquote__author{display:block}.elementor-blockquote--align-center .elementor-blockquote__tweet-button{margin-right:auto;margin-left:auto}<\/style>\t\t<blockquote class=\"elementor-blockquote\">\n\t\t\t<p class=\"elementor-blockquote__content\">\n\t\t\t\tI highly recommend checking out our elaborate guide on feeding driftwood to plecos. It covers all the benefits.\t\t\t<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/blockquote>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-8b61e02 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"8b61e02\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><a href=\"https:\/\/keepingcatfish.com\/driftwood-for-plecos\/\">Read the article<\/a> -&gt;<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-ae58bf1 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"ae58bf1\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Feeding vegetables to plecos<\/h2>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-c3b34e5 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"c3b34e5\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Properly feeding herbivorous plecos is essential to keep them free from disease and contamination. Vegetables are rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals crucial for pleco health.<\/p><p>Always use fresh whole vegetables, preferably organic. Organic vegetables are safer because they contain almost zero agricultural chemicals and better nutritional quality.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-0e96226 elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"0e96226\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<figure class=\"wp-caption\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"799\" height=\"533\" src=\"https:\/\/keepingcatfish.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/300326793_013cc607b2_c.jpg\" class=\"attachment-large size-large wp-image-910\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/keepingcatfish.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/300326793_013cc607b2_c.jpg 799w, https:\/\/keepingcatfish.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/300326793_013cc607b2_c-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/keepingcatfish.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/300326793_013cc607b2_c-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 799px) 100vw, 799px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<figcaption class=\"widget-image-caption wp-caption-text\">Common pleco (Hypostomus plecostomus) Feeding on cucumber. Photo by <a href=\"https:\/\/flic.kr\/p\/sxfGa\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Jean-Francois Brousseau<\/a><\/figcaption>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-69d3c56 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"69d3c56\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Vegetables that are hard, such as carrots and pumpkins, can be blanched. Use a clip or weight to keep the vegetables close to the bottom of the tank.<\/p><p>When cleaning before offering the vegetables to the plecos, only use running water and a brush, and do not use any product that can leave toxic residues. Always offer as many vegetables as possible, avoiding citrus fruits and fruits high in sugar.<\/p><p>Popular options include spinach, tomatoes, apples, zucchini, kale, and even eggplant.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-2a56278 elementor-blockquote--skin-border elementor-blockquote--button-color-official elementor-widget elementor-widget-blockquote\" data-id=\"2a56278\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"blockquote.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<blockquote class=\"elementor-blockquote\">\n\t\t\t<p class=\"elementor-blockquote__content\">\n\t\t\t\tPlease check out our elaborate guide on feeding vegetables to plecos. It covers all the benefits and how to do it.\t\t\t<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/blockquote>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-d4ff0cf elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"d4ff0cf\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><a href=\"https:\/\/keepingcatfish.com\/feeding-plecos-vegetables\/\">Read the article<\/a> -&gt;<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-c1ed751 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"c1ed751\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Frozen foods for plecos<\/h2>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-454dd22 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"454dd22\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>When using frozen foods, the first step is to check that they are within the expiry date and have good visual quality.<\/p><p>Frozen vegetables should be avoided, as many contain abusive levels of pesticides and other unwanted substances.\u00a0<\/p><p>If the vegetable you want to use is whole and free of preservatives, ensure to defrost it in an immersion bath before offering it to the plecos.<br \/>Many frozen foods of animal origin are available, such as biomass and some larvae.<\/p><p>Due to their size, these foods thaw almost instantly when in contact with aquarium water. Even so, you should proceed with a prewash in running water, already defrosting and cleaning any impurities that could end up in the aquarium.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-c5d9e69 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"c5d9e69\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Best foods for plecos: a list<\/h2>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-8e77dcb elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"8e77dcb\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t<h3 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">1. Repashy gel foods<\/h3>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-b4b07fe elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"b4b07fe\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"500\" height=\"500\" src=\"https:\/\/keepingcatfish.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/61Y14m10RIL._AC_.jpg\" class=\"attachment-large size-large wp-image-11418\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/keepingcatfish.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/61Y14m10RIL._AC_.jpg 500w, https:\/\/keepingcatfish.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/61Y14m10RIL._AC_-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/keepingcatfish.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/61Y14m10RIL._AC_-150x150.jpg 150w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-d754258 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"d754258\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Repashy comes as a powder, but is meant to be fed in gel form. You can prepare it using boiling water and keep the gel in your fridge for a couple of weeks, or in the freezer for even longer.<\/p><p>The gel blocks can be cut as you wish and they will sink to the bottom, lasting there for up to 24h (meaning in comparison to other foods it lasts way longer and thus the chance on it degrading water quality is minimal.<\/p><p>I mostly use the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/Repashy-Bottom-Scratcher-12-Jar\/dp\/B01DSCIS3M?crid=3HTHQXLZQFYBR&amp;keywords=repashy+bottom+scratcher&amp;qid=1692967786&amp;s=pet-supplies&amp;sprefix=repashy+bottom+scra%2Cpets%2C164&amp;sr=1-2&amp;linkCode=ll1&amp;tag=keepingcatfish-20&amp;linkId=a6b56c057a211295a5d9deac38cc0ffa&amp;language=en_US&amp;ref_=as_li_ss_tl\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" data-wplink-edit=\"true\">bottom scratcher<\/a>\u00a0formula, which is great as a source of animal protein.\u00a0<\/p><p>However, the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/Repashy-Community-Plus-Oz-JAR\/dp\/B00FL17AQK?keywords=community+plus&amp;qid=1692968150&amp;sr=8-1-spons&amp;sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9hdGY&amp;psc=1&amp;linkCode=ll1&amp;tag=keepingcatfish-20&amp;linkId=97f72fd2141d1d193590b04291bf0568&amp;language=en_US&amp;ref_=as_li_ss_tl\">community plus<\/a> option is great as an all-round option (omnivores) and the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/Repashy-Soilent-Green-Oz-JAR\/dp\/B00J17NKTG?crid=OEHCMYRECLCY&amp;keywords=repashy+soilent+green&amp;qid=1692968120&amp;s=pet-supplies&amp;sprefix=repashy+soilent+green%2Cpets%2C187&amp;sr=1-2&amp;linkCode=ll1&amp;tag=keepingcatfish-20&amp;linkId=afd31f8a50dc5159cbb257e66dbb42a1&amp;language=en_US&amp;ref_=as_li_ss_tl\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">soilent green<\/a> is perfect for algae-eating plecos.\u00a0<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-322df1f elementor-widget elementor-widget-video\" data-id=\"322df1f\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-settings=\"{&quot;youtube_url&quot;:&quot;https:\\\/\\\/www.youtube.com\\\/watch?v=Z107s34aqws&amp;pp=ygUNcmVwYXNoeSBwbGVjbw%3D%3D&quot;,&quot;modestbranding&quot;:&quot;yes&quot;,&quot;yt_privacy&quot;:&quot;yes&quot;,&quot;video_type&quot;:&quot;youtube&quot;,&quot;controls&quot;:&quot;yes&quot;}\" data-widget_type=\"video.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t<style>\/*! elementor - v3.17.0 - 01-11-2023 *\/\n.elementor-widget-video .elementor-widget-container{overflow:hidden;transform:translateZ(0)}.elementor-widget-video .elementor-wrapper{aspect-ratio:var(--video-aspect-ratio)}.elementor-widget-video .elementor-wrapper iframe,.elementor-widget-video .elementor-wrapper video{height:100%;width:100%;display:flex;border:none;background-color:#000}@supports not (aspect-ratio:1\/1){.elementor-widget-video .elementor-wrapper{position:relative;overflow:hidden;height:0;padding-bottom:calc(100% \/ var(--video-aspect-ratio))}.elementor-widget-video .elementor-wrapper iframe,.elementor-widget-video .elementor-wrapper video{position:absolute;top:0;right:0;bottom:0;left:0}}.elementor-widget-video .elementor-open-inline .elementor-custom-embed-image-overlay{position:absolute;top:0;right:0;bottom:0;left:0;background-size:cover;background-position:50%}.elementor-widget-video .elementor-custom-embed-image-overlay{cursor:pointer;text-align:center}.elementor-widget-video .elementor-custom-embed-image-overlay:hover .elementor-custom-embed-play i{opacity:1}.elementor-widget-video .elementor-custom-embed-image-overlay img{display:block;width:100%;aspect-ratio:var(--video-aspect-ratio);-o-object-fit:cover;object-fit:cover;-o-object-position:center center;object-position:center center}@supports not (aspect-ratio:1\/1){.elementor-widget-video .elementor-custom-embed-image-overlay{position:relative;overflow:hidden;height:0;padding-bottom:calc(100% \/ var(--video-aspect-ratio))}.elementor-widget-video .elementor-custom-embed-image-overlay img{position:absolute;top:0;right:0;bottom:0;left:0}}.elementor-widget-video .e-hosted-video .elementor-video{-o-object-fit:cover;object-fit:cover}.e-con-inner>.elementor-widget-video,.e-con>.elementor-widget-video{width:var(--container-widget-width);--flex-grow:var(--container-widget-flex-grow)}<\/style>\t\t<div class=\"elementor-wrapper elementor-open-inline\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-video\"><\/div>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-0c82e9d elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"0c82e9d\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>It isn&#8217;t the cheapest option (but imo, the best :)), however one jar contains a lot of powder and a lot of gel can be made out of the powder.<\/p><p>Check prices on Amazon:<\/p><p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/Repashy-Soilent-Green-Oz-JAR\/dp\/B00J17NKTG?crid=3CD29H58RIULU&amp;keywords=repashy+soilent+green&amp;qid=1692968296&amp;sprefix=soilent+g%2Caps%2C181&amp;sr=8-2&amp;linkCode=ll1&amp;tag=keepingcatfish-20&amp;linkId=bebd96ebff35575be9aaa334691b6291&amp;language=en_US&amp;ref_=as_li_ss_tl\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Soilent green<\/a> -&gt;<\/p><p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/Repashy-Community-Plus-Oz-JAR\/dp\/B00FL17AQK?keywords=community+plus&amp;qid=1692968150&amp;sr=8-1-spons&amp;sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9hdGY&amp;psc=1&amp;linkCode=ll1&amp;tag=keepingcatfish-20&amp;linkId=97f72fd2141d1d193590b04291bf0568&amp;language=en_US&amp;ref_=as_li_ss_tl\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Community plus<\/a> -&gt;<\/p><p><a style=\"background-color: #ffffff;\" href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/Repashy-Bottom-Scratcher-12-Jar\/dp\/B01DSCIS3M?crid=3HTHQXLZQFYBR&amp;keywords=repashy+bottom+scratcher&amp;qid=1692967786&amp;s=pet-supplies&amp;sprefix=repashy+bottom+scra%2Cpets%2C164&amp;sr=1-2&amp;linkCode=ll1&amp;tag=keepingcatfish-20&amp;linkId=a6b56c057a211295a5d9deac38cc0ffa&amp;language=en_US&amp;ref_=as_li_ss_tl\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Bottom scratcher<\/a>\u00a0-&gt;<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-dfd71ca elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"dfd71ca\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t<h3 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">2. Hikari carnivore pellets \/ algae wafers<\/h3>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-2a23bc9 elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"2a23bc9\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"575\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/keepingcatfish.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/81WeYpvN0L._AC_SL1500_-575x1024.jpg\" class=\"attachment-large size-large wp-image-3680\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/keepingcatfish.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/81WeYpvN0L._AC_SL1500_-575x1024.jpg 575w, https:\/\/keepingcatfish.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/81WeYpvN0L._AC_SL1500_-168x300.jpg 168w, https:\/\/keepingcatfish.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/81WeYpvN0L._AC_SL1500_-768x1368.jpg 768w, https:\/\/keepingcatfish.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/81WeYpvN0L._AC_SL1500_.jpg 842w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 575px) 100vw, 575px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-9e722ec elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"9e722ec\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>If you are looking for a pellet\/wafer option, Hikari offers affordable yet quality options.<\/p><p>For plant-based foods, the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/Hikari-Usa-AHK21307-tropical-1-41-Ounce\/dp\/B00025Z6IE?crid=38UDM7CVCT7PV&amp;keywords=hikari+algae+wafer&amp;qid=1692968662&amp;sprefix=hikari+algae+%2Caps%2C231&amp;sr=8-3&amp;linkCode=ll1&amp;tag=keepingcatfish-20&amp;linkId=4ccdc7a6c0a9707b8c528dfcce73abb6&amp;language=en_US&amp;ref_=as_li_ss_tl\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">algae wafers<\/a> are great and plecos love them.<\/p><p>For meat-based foods, the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/Sinking-Carnivore-Pellets-2-61-Ounce-HIKARI\/dp\/B0112XPAB2?crid=2LD4FKDDOZPV6&amp;keywords=hikari+carnivore+pellets&amp;qid=1692968696&amp;sprefix=hikari+carn%2Caps%2C168&amp;sr=8-1&amp;linkCode=ll1&amp;tag=keepingcatfish-20&amp;linkId=719e8d4c29d74fc992e36b6509275e63&amp;language=en_US&amp;ref_=as_li_ss_tl\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">carnivore pellet<\/a> does the trick.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-87c924e elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"87c924e\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t<h3 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">3. Fluval bug bites<\/h3>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-cd71adf elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"cd71adf\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"1013\" src=\"https:\/\/keepingcatfish.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/71H9ozfgjVL._AC_SL1500_-1024x1013.jpg\" class=\"attachment-large size-large wp-image-11428\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/keepingcatfish.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/71H9ozfgjVL._AC_SL1500_-1024x1013.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/keepingcatfish.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/71H9ozfgjVL._AC_SL1500_-300x297.jpg 300w, https:\/\/keepingcatfish.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/71H9ozfgjVL._AC_SL1500_-768x760.jpg 768w, https:\/\/keepingcatfish.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/71H9ozfgjVL._AC_SL1500_.jpg 1397w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-36e8896 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"36e8896\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Fluval has created a special formula for plecos, named bug bites.<\/p><p>It&#8217;s mainly meat based, so should be given as a supplement to most species.<\/p><p>The team at Fluval has done a great job making sure all the useful vitamins are added to this food, making it a great option.<\/p><p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/Fluval-A6587-Bottom-Feeder-Sticks\/dp\/B071NMTNM1?crid=M0X1NLA47ZNM&amp;keywords=fluval+bug+bites&amp;qid=1692968741&amp;sprefix=fluval+bug+bites%2Caps%2C184&amp;sr=8-9&amp;linkCode=ll1&amp;tag=keepingcatfish-20&amp;linkId=4293b24bd01ba6e7dac3834f89c34426&amp;language=en_US&amp;ref_=as_li_ss_tl\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Go to product<\/a> -&gt;<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-671aebe elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"671aebe\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">FAQ's about pleco feeding habits<\/h2>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-96b8c81 elementor-widget elementor-widget-toggle\" data-id=\"96b8c81\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"toggle.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t<style>\/*! elementor - v3.17.0 - 01-11-2023 *\/\n.elementor-toggle{text-align:left}.elementor-toggle .elementor-tab-title{font-weight:700;line-height:1;margin:0;padding:15px;border-bottom:1px solid #d5d8dc;cursor:pointer;outline:none}.elementor-toggle .elementor-tab-title .elementor-toggle-icon{display:inline-block;width:1em}.elementor-toggle .elementor-tab-title .elementor-toggle-icon svg{margin-inline-start:-5px;width:1em;height:1em}.elementor-toggle .elementor-tab-title .elementor-toggle-icon.elementor-toggle-icon-right{float:right;text-align:right}.elementor-toggle .elementor-tab-title .elementor-toggle-icon.elementor-toggle-icon-left{float:left;text-align:left}.elementor-toggle .elementor-tab-title .elementor-toggle-icon .elementor-toggle-icon-closed{display:block}.elementor-toggle .elementor-tab-title .elementor-toggle-icon .elementor-toggle-icon-opened{display:none}.elementor-toggle .elementor-tab-title.elementor-active{border-bottom:none}.elementor-toggle .elementor-tab-title.elementor-active .elementor-toggle-icon-closed{display:none}.elementor-toggle .elementor-tab-title.elementor-active .elementor-toggle-icon-opened{display:block}.elementor-toggle .elementor-tab-content{padding:15px;border-bottom:1px solid #d5d8dc;display:none}@media (max-width:767px){.elementor-toggle .elementor-tab-title{padding:12px}.elementor-toggle .elementor-tab-content{padding:12px 10px}}.e-con-inner>.elementor-widget-toggle,.e-con>.elementor-widget-toggle{width:var(--container-widget-width);--flex-grow:var(--container-widget-flex-grow)}<\/style>\t\t<div class=\"elementor-toggle\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-toggle-item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div id=\"elementor-tab-title-1581\" class=\"elementor-tab-title\" data-tab=\"1\" role=\"button\" aria-controls=\"elementor-tab-content-1581\" aria-expanded=\"false\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-toggle-icon elementor-toggle-icon-right\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-toggle-icon-closed\"><i class=\"fas fa-caret-right\"><\/i><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-toggle-icon-opened\"><i class=\"elementor-toggle-icon-opened fas fa-caret-down\"><\/i><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"elementor-toggle-title\" tabindex=\"0\">Do plecos eat algae?<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<div id=\"elementor-tab-content-1581\" class=\"elementor-tab-content elementor-clearfix\" data-tab=\"1\" role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"elementor-tab-title-1581\"><p>Many species of herbivorous and omnivorous plecos are known to be algae eaters.<br \/>The dependence on algae varies between species. Some plecos are herbivore, and feed predominantly on algae, others are omnivores and will also feed on animal proteins and other foods.<\/p><p><strong>Full article: <a href=\"https:\/\/keepingcatfish.com\/do-cory-catfish-eat-algae\/\">Do plecos eat algae?<\/a><\/strong><\/p><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-toggle-item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div id=\"elementor-tab-title-1582\" class=\"elementor-tab-title\" data-tab=\"2\" role=\"button\" aria-controls=\"elementor-tab-content-1582\" aria-expanded=\"false\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-toggle-icon elementor-toggle-icon-right\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-toggle-icon-closed\"><i class=\"fas fa-caret-right\"><\/i><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-toggle-icon-opened\"><i class=\"elementor-toggle-icon-opened fas fa-caret-down\"><\/i><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"elementor-toggle-title\" tabindex=\"0\">Do plecos eat fish?<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<div id=\"elementor-tab-content-1582\" class=\"elementor-tab-content elementor-clearfix\" data-tab=\"2\" role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"elementor-tab-title-1582\"><p>Some species of carnivorous plecos may eat other live fish, but generally, plecos are not predators, preferring to feed on dead fish.<\/p><p>Most species of plecos are more focused on feeding on algae, biofilm, larvae, and other foods. There are carnivores plecos, where only a few species may hunt by ambush. Most carnivore plecos will prefer other foods than live fish, although it can occur, mainly with fry.<\/p><p><strong>Full article: <a href=\"https:\/\/keepingcatfish.com\/do-plecos-eat-fish\/\">Do plecos eat fish?<\/a><\/strong><\/p><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-toggle-item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div id=\"elementor-tab-title-1583\" class=\"elementor-tab-title\" data-tab=\"3\" role=\"button\" aria-controls=\"elementor-tab-content-1583\" aria-expanded=\"false\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-toggle-icon elementor-toggle-icon-right\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-toggle-icon-closed\"><i class=\"fas fa-caret-right\"><\/i><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-toggle-icon-opened\"><i class=\"elementor-toggle-icon-opened fas fa-caret-down\"><\/i><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"elementor-toggle-title\" tabindex=\"0\">Do plecos eat plants?<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<div id=\"elementor-tab-content-1583\" class=\"elementor-tab-content elementor-clearfix\" data-tab=\"3\" role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"elementor-tab-title-1583\"><p>Some plecos may have a habit of gnawing or eating plants, especially if they are hungry. Other species are greedy and may sporadically pinch plants with softer leaves, but rarely cause damage.<\/p><p>This preference varies according to the species and conditions of the aquarium.<\/p><p>Herbivorous plecos are more likely to consume plants, especially if they don&#8217;t have access to proper plant foods. For herbivorous plecos, offering a plant-rich diet can help reduce the likelihood of eating live plants.<\/p><p><strong>Full article: <a href=\"https:\/\/keepingcatfish.com\/do-plecos-eat-plants\/\">Do plecos eat plants?<\/a><\/strong><\/p><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-toggle-item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div id=\"elementor-tab-title-1584\" class=\"elementor-tab-title\" data-tab=\"4\" role=\"button\" aria-controls=\"elementor-tab-content-1584\" aria-expanded=\"false\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-toggle-icon elementor-toggle-icon-right\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-toggle-icon-closed\"><i class=\"fas fa-caret-right\"><\/i><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-toggle-icon-opened\"><i class=\"elementor-toggle-icon-opened fas fa-caret-down\"><\/i><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"elementor-toggle-title\" tabindex=\"0\">Do plecos eat snails?<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<div id=\"elementor-tab-content-1584\" class=\"elementor-tab-content elementor-clearfix\" data-tab=\"4\" role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"elementor-tab-title-1584\"><p>Yes, some species of carnivorous plecos may feed on snails, which can be useful to control excessive populations.<br \/>As much as some carnivorous plecos can be used to control snails, they are hardly effective in ending the infestation. Finding the right pleco species to eat your snails can also be a difficult task.<\/p><p><strong>Full article: <a href=\"https:\/\/keepingcatfish.com\/do-plecos-eat-snails\/\">Do plecos eat snails?<\/a><\/strong><\/p><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>If you like pleco fish, you know that different species have different eating habits. Many aquarists struggle to find the best way to feed these fish, which can lead to problems and illnesses. This article will talk about how to provide your pleco with the healthiest diet possible. The importance of a varied diet for &hellip;<\/p>\n<p class=\"read-more\"> <a class=\"\" href=\"https:\/\/keepingcatfish.com\/what-do-plecos-eat\/\"> <span class=\"screen-reader-text\">What do Plecos Eat? Healthiest Pleco Diet (Full Guide)<\/span> Read More &raquo;<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":11053,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"site-sidebar-layout":"","site-content-layout":"","ast-main-header-display":"","ast-hfb-above-header-display":"","ast-hfb-below-header-display":"","ast-hfb-mobile-header-display":"","site-post-title":"","ast-breadcrumbs-content":"","ast-featured-img":"","footer-sml-layout":"","theme-transparent-header-meta":"","adv-header-id-meta":"","stick-header-meta":"","header-above-stick-meta":"","header-main-stick-meta":"","header-below-stick-meta":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[19],"tags":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v20.4 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>What do Plecos Eat? 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