The Pitbull Pleco is a small, peaceful fish that attempt to avoid conflict with other fish. They may not offer you a swim show, but they can be fascinating to observe. The mild pleco fish is very amusing.
They would frequently latch onto any surface with their mouths, which is quite entertaining. Pitbull Plecos are nocturnal fish, so their activity level is very low during the day. They become much more active at night, and this is when they do the majority of their feeding.
The LDA025 Pitbull Pleco or Goby Pleco is a distinct dwarf species of Loricariid that may be found in rivers and streams in eastern Brazil. In the wild, it is comparable to the more well-known Otocinclus, living in large colonies and grazing on algae and biofilm, making it excellent algae control fish for most aquariums. The Pitbull Pleco is deserving of its fame, being peaceful, hardy, and active. It's far less popular in the aquarium hobby than it once was because it used to be uncommon. This fish should be kept in groups of at least three and will do best if provided with live plants, rockwork, and driftwood as cover.
Nonetheless, the Pitbull Plecostomus are algae eaters who spend a lot of time cleaning their aquariums. They like to hide behind rocks, plants, and anything else that provides shade. Continue reading to discover more about the Pitbull Pleco, their care, and their suitable tankmates!
Quick Facts About Pitbull Pleco
Pitbull Pleco Care
Pitbull Plecos are peaceful fish that do well in most community aquariums. They are relatively easy to care for, as long as their basic needs are met. A single Pitbull Pleco can be kept in a 10-gallon tank, but they will do much better in a larger tank with plenty of hiding places.
A group of six Pitbull Plecos can be kept in a 30-gallon tank. Pitbull Plecos are not demanding when it comes to water parameters. They prefer a slightly acidic to neutral pH, with a temperature range of 68 to 79 degrees Fahrenheit. Ammonia and nitrite levels should be at 0ppm, and nitrate levels should be below 30ppm.
Pitbull Plecos are algae eaters and will help to keep your aquarium clean. They should be offered a varied diet that is high in vegetable matter. In addition to algae, they will also consume small invertebrates, detritus, and uneaten food.
A good quality pleco pellet or algae wafer should be offered as a staple diet, with vegetables such as zucchini, cucumber, and spinach making up the rest of their diet. Pitbull Plecos are peaceful fish that do well with most tankmates. They should not be kept with aggressive fish or fish that may nip at their fins.
Pitbull Pleco Size
A full-size Pitbull pleco grows up to 2.3 inches (6 cm) in length, although the maximum size is said to be around 7 cm. It's a small species of its kind and is known for its beautiful, unusual features.
The Pitbull pleco is a tiny fish with a distinct personality that will look great in little aquariums where larger plecos are not advised. It can live in harmony with other small or similar-sized fish.
Pitbull Pleco Lifespan
When maintained in excellent conditions, a Pitbull pleco has a typical life span of 10 to 15 years. On that note, it has a longer life expectancy than most other tropical fish species. The life expectancy of the fish increases when it is looked after properly. It is also important to note that you can expect the fish to live for 15 years or more if you provide it with ideal circumstances.
Pitbull Pleco Appearance
When they're young, Pitbull plecos are frequently mistaken for the more well-known catfish genus Otocinclus. However, the presence of a unique adipose fin distinguishes this species from Otocinclus.
The color of the small tank fish varies between shades of grey, ranging from medium to dark grey. With hints of golden or greenish hues, it may even appear black. Their hue is largely determined by the aquarium substrate's color.
Sexual Dimorphism
There are several identifying characteristics that distinguish the male and female Pitbull pleco specimens. Males, for example, have longer pelvic fins than females. That said, the pelvic fin tips in males extend beyond the anal fin.
Furthermore, sexual dichromatism aids in the distinction between male and female fish. The saddles on the backs of males are extremely lovely, bluish-green, and shining, but they're lacking in females. The females are also considerably fatter than the males.
Furthermore, the position of the urogenital tract is unique in each gender. It's positioned just after the anal opening in males, but before the inner cloacal cavity in females.
Pitbull Pleco Behavior
Pitbull plecos are peaceful and can cohabit with other tiny fish in a community aquarium. They're very vivacious and enjoy living in groups of three or more. They bury themselves in the substrate when they sense danger. They have a similar appetite to other Plecos, and they are quite adaptable and able to survive in less oxygenated water.
Pitbull plecos are also known to be excellent swimmers. They have a powerful tail that helps them propel themselves through the water with great speed. When they are not swimming, they lie in wait at the bottom of the tank, hiding among the plants and rocks.
Pitbull plecos are nocturnal animals and are most active at night. They spend their days hiding among the plants and rocks at the bottom of the tank. When night falls, they come out to feed on algae and other small invertebrates.
Pitbull Pleco Food & Diet
Pitbull Plecos are known to enjoy eating algae. At the same time, they may clean the tank surfaces by consuming algae, keeping the fish tank clean and tidy. Pitbull plecos are omnivores; so, you must offer them lots of fresh veggies as well as meaty foods to ensure they get all of their required nutrients.
You should ensure that there is always some algae in the tank for the pleco to graze on. You can supplement their diet with blanched vegetables such as zucchini or spinach, sinking pellets, and freeze-dried bloodworms. Small amounts of living and frozen invertebrates, such as brine shrimp and bloodworm, should be a part of the regular diet of this catfish.
Pitbull Pleco Tank Mates
Because the Goby Pleco is sociable, calm, and tiny in size, choosing tankmates for it is simple. In a community tank, it should be kept with at least three to six individuals. So, you can pair them with other similar-sized tropical fish.
Some compatible tankmates for your Pitbull Pleco include:
When choosing tank mates, it’s important to remember that the Goby Pleco is a timid fish. So, avoid keeping it with aggressive or territorial tankmates. Also, make sure that the fish you choose can tolerate the same water conditions as the Pitbull Pleco.
Pitbull Pleco Tank Setup
If you'd like to keep them single, an aquarium with a capacity of 10 gallons would suffice.
They enjoy searching the bottom of the tank and like to dig, so provide them with fine gravel or soft mud as a substrate. That is due to the fact that they look for hiding places if they're confronted with decorations, pebbles, caverns, plants, or driftwood as alternatives to digging, which means you may provide arrangements.
Here are some important things to keep in mind when setting up your tank:
Tank Size
The minimum tank size for a group of six Pitbull plecos is 30 gallons. And its maximum capacity can reach 100 gallons. Because goldfish only grow up to 6 to 7 centimeters long, a tiny tank is enough to keep them alive and healthy. For a single fish, a 10-gallon tank is a minimum, but it is always better to go for a larger tank if you have the space.
Substrate
The LDA25 Pitbull pleco thrives best in a sandy substrate that resembles a river bottom. The gravel substrate is also suitable. However, be sure there are no sharp edges so they don't hurt their 'suckers' while rolling around and ingesting whatever organic debris may be present.
Water Parameters
The tank's temperature should be kept between 68 and 73 degrees Fahrenheit for proper care of the LDA25 Pitbull pleco species. Because it is native to South America, the fish thrives in moderate to high water temperatures.
Additionally, the optimal water pH levels for this species are between 6.8 and 7.8.
Decor
Tank decorations, in addition to being attractive, provide hiding places for the Pitbull Pleco. They also require a variety of surfaces to suck on. The Pitbull Pleco likes bogwood since it obtains nutrition from it. They also assist to maintain the aquarium water's pH at a decent level until it is suitable for the Plecostomus species.
Apart from that, you won't have to worry about the Pitbull Pleco devouring your aquarium plants. They're only used as shade or hiding places. Broad-leaved plants like Echinodorus and Water Lily are perfect choices for the pitbull Pleco tank.
Current
The natural habitats of the Pitbull Pleco are freshwater streams. In order to survive, they prefer an atmosphere with adequate oxygen and movement. This may be achieved by using a waterfall or a power filter. Without the filter, the water must be changed every few days to keep the pleco healthy.
Pitbull Pleco Breeding
Pitbull Pleco breeding is not difficult, and with a good setup, it is largely successful. The following are some fundamental requirements:
Breeding Tank Setup
A tank with a capacity of approximately 20 gallons is enough for breeding. In addition, include a few bogwoods and broad-leaved plants to use as hiding spaces and breeding surfaces. Furthermore, the Pitbull Pleco species are nocturnal, so they deposit their eggs at night.
You can, however, fool the pleco into thinking it's night by changing the lights in the breeding tank. After putting in an aquarium heater, warm the water to between 70 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit to encourage breeding. There are also reviews of the rainy season being a stimulus for spawning. Adjusting your tank temperature to drop at the appropriate moment during water changes mimics rainfall.
To improve water flow, install an air pump and air stone. A hang on the filter might be too strong, and it would pull up the eggs. Then, fill the breeding aquarium to 50 percent of its volume and test it to compare with their main tank. Once everything is set, you're ready to start breeding.
Breeding Process
Pitbull plecos are egg-layers, and the female will lay them on a smooth surface, such as bogwood or plants. The eggs are often laid in groups of 20 to 30. Once they have been laid, the male will fertilize them.
After that, the female will carefully pick up the eggs and move them to a safer place. Once the fry has hatched, it will stay close to the surface for several days until its yolk sacs are fully absorbed. Here are a few things to keep in mind during the breeding process:
Pitbull Pleco Fry
After three days, the eggs hatch. Because the adult Pitbull Pleco may consume the eggs, you should remove them from the breeding tank. Alternatively, put the eggs in a fry tank to improve their chances of survival. The fry spends the first five days of their lives near the surface to absorb their yolk sacs.
After that, they start to look for food on their own. You can feed them live foods such as newly hatched brine shrimp or daphnia. You may also give them powdered flake foods that have been soaked in water to make them softer.
As they grow, you should start giving them vegetables such as shelled peas, zucchini, and cucumber. Once they're big enough, you can transition them to the same diet as their parents.
Pitbull Pleco Diseases
Like any other fish, Pitbull Pleco may become sick. As a result, it's critical to keep an eye on your fish when they're unwell. Some of the most common symptoms that a pleco is dying are loss of color, rotting fins, and white patches on its body. Your Pleco may also stop eating, become lethargic, and lay at the bottom of the tank. If you notice any of these symptoms in your fish, it's important to seek professional help as soon as possible.
There are a number of diseases that can affect Pitbull Pleco, including:
Ich
It's also known as Ick, which stands for Infectious Ich (Parasitic Disease). It is a typical disease in freshwater fish, although it is easily treated with medication from pet and aquarium shops. The most common symptom of the condition is tiny white flecks on the fins and occasionally the body, which resembles granules of salt The main reason for the disease is poor water quality. Raising the tank water temperature will accelerate the protozoan's life cycle and enable you to more quickly eliminate them with medication. While treating your fish for the disease, you should move them to a quarantine tank.
Dropsy and Fin Rot
Fin rot and Dropsy are bacterial infections. The most common symptoms of dropsy, also known as Malawi bloat, including bloating. Lethargy, a lack of appetite, and fins that are discolored and seem to be melting are other common symptoms. A lack of nutrition, in combination with other factors, might be the reason for this bacterial infection. To resolve the problem, it's suggested that 25% of the tank water be changed every two days. You should also try feeding the pleco a better-quality diet. If the condition does not improve, visit your local pet store for medication. This illness is caused by poor water quality, which necessitates tetracycline for treatment.
Fish Fungus
Fungal infections affect the skin, causing white or grayish bumps to appear on the pleco's body. They resemble cotton balls. This is a condition caused by water mold organisms known as oomycetes. It is sometimes a follow-on infection to a skin condition. Scrapes on a fish's skin, for example, provide a breeding ground for the fungus. Water temperatures that are too low and that won't change enough promote fungus growth. Because it spreads rapidly and can lead to a secondary fungal infection, a fungus infection necessitates medical attention. So it is better to ask at a fish shop for the right treatment.
Pop-Eye
The sign of pop-eye is an eye that appears to be popping out. Changing the water, feeding fish with vitamin-enriched food, and using tetracycline are some of the treatments for this bacterial infection.
Hole in the Head
Hole in the head, also known as head and lateral line erosion, has no known cause. Small indentations or holes on the fish's head are the most common sign. The disease appears to be caused by a combination of poor water quality, lack of nutrition, and excessive exposure to activated carbon.
To treat, start by improving the water quality and adding vitamin-enriched foods to the diet. If necessary, use medications such as metronidazole or oxytetracycline.
FAQ
How Big Do Pitbull Pleco Get?
Pitbull Pleco can grow up to 2.3 inches (6 cm) in length. Their growth rate is determined by the quality of care they receive. If you provide them with good food and clean water, they will grow quickly.
How Long Do Pitbull Pleco Live?
Pitbull Pleco can live up to 10-15 years in captivity. If you want your fish to live a long and healthy life, it's important to care for them properly. This includes maintaining a clean tank, providing them with a nutritious diet, and monitoring their health closely.
Does Pitbull Pleco Need a Heater?
Yes, Pitbull Pleco needs a heater to maintain a water temperature of 68-79 F (20-26 C). They are tropical fish, so they cannot tolerate cold water. A heater will help them stay healthy and comfortable.
Does Pitbull Pleco Need a Filter?
Yes, Pitbull Pleco needs a filter to remove waste and toxins from their tank. A good filter will also help maintain clean water, which is essential for the health of your fish.
Do Pitbull Pleco Eat Algae?
Yes, Pitbull Pleco is known for its love of algae. In fact, they are often used as tank cleaners because they help keep the water clean and free of algae.
Is Pitbull Pleco Poisonous?
No, Pitbull Pleco is not poisonous. They are safe to keep in your tank with other fish and animals.
Can Pitbull Pleco Live Alone?
No, Pitbull Pleco is a social creature and needs to be kept in groups. They should be kept with at least 2-3 other fish of the same species. You can keep up to 6 Pitbull pleco fish together. Keeping them in groups will help reduce their stress levels and keep them healthy.
What Should I Feed My Pitbull Pleco?
Pitbull Pleco is an omnivore and will eat a variety of foods. They enjoy eating algae, but they also need meaty foods like brine shrimp and bloodworms. A good diet for them includes a mix of vegetables, fruits, and meat. You can also give them pellets or flakes designed specifically for plecos.
How Do You Differentiate a Male Pitbull from a Female One?
Both Pitbull Pleco genders have a number of distinct distinctions in common. Here are a few:
Fins: The male has elongated pelvic fins that extend all the way to its anal fin, unlike the female variety.
Body Shape: Unlike the male, the female is plump rather than thin.
Color: There are significant differences in body coloration among males and females. The male has aqua-bluish padding on its back that is lacking in the female.
Urogenital Duct: Their urogenital duct is in a different location. It is located near the anal opening in males, but it is near the inner cloacal cavity in females.
Size: Males are usually larger than females.
By checking the above characteristics, you can easily tell a male from a female.
Do Pitbull Pleco Eat Plants?
No, Pitbull Pleco is not known to eat plants. If you have plants in your tank, you don't have to worry about them being eaten by your pleco.
Does Pitbull Pleco Need a Cave?
Yes, Pitbull Pleco needs a cave or hiding place to feel safe and secure. They are shy fish and will often hide when they feel threatened. A cave will give them a place to retreat to when they feel scared or stressed.
Where Can You Buy the Pitbull Pleco?
The Pitbull Pleco may be found in most local aquarium stores, although if you want to get specific sexes, you will have to search a little harder.
Alternatively, you can buy the fish from an online aquarium retailer and have them delivered to your home. Though buying online is convenient, it's important to make sure you buy from a reputable source to ensure you get healthy fish. You should pay shipping costs as well for the fish to be delivered in a timely and safe manner.
Final Thoughts
The Pitbull pleco is a low-maintenance fish. However, many owners like them since they are simple to maintain and add color to your aquarium. Furthermore, this species of pleco is peaceful and can live alongside other smaller fish in your aquarium.
The Pitbull pleco can also assist you to maintain your aquarium clean by devouring any algae that grow in it. Consequently, if you’re seeking a low-maintenance and peaceful fish that will help clean your aquarium, the Pitbull Pleco is an ideal candidate for you!
If you’re thinking about adding a Pitbull pleco to your aquarium, there are a few things you should know about their care. First, Pitbull plecos are sensitive to changes in water quality and parameters.
As a result, you’ll need to perform regular water changes and monitor your aquarium’s water quality closely. Second, this species of pleco are bottom-dwellers and prefer to live in dimly lit tanks. So, be sure to provide plenty of hiding spots and caves for your Pitbull pleco to hide in.
Lastly, Pitbull plecos are omnivores and require a diet that consists of both plant and animal matter. To ensure your Pitbull pleco stays healthy and happy, be sure to provide them with a varied and nutritious diet.
By following these simple tips, you can provide your Pitbull pleco with the care they need to thrive in your aquarium. Consequently, you’ll be able to enjoy watching your Pitbull pleco swim and interact with other fish in your tank for years to come!
