If you're talking about, say, a small pleco, you can partially fill a gallon ziplock-type bag with water, net your fish, and transfer it using the same technique as you would when bringing home a new fish. Clip the bag to the side of the tank, allow it to equalize in temperature, and (if you're certain that both tanks are free of pests and illnesses) add a cup of the new tank's water to the bag. Add a bit more, every 8-10 minutes, and then release the fish, at about half an hour. However, if you're dealing with a more sizable pleco (8" or more), we've found that the safest and FASTEST way to do this is to fill a clean bucket with tank water, half with water from the tank that the fish is leaving, and half with water from the tank it's being moved to. Catch your fish by hand (since the big ones won't fit in most nets), or trap it in a large jar or container. Transfer your fish to the bucket, and move it to the new tank. Yes, you do run the risk of shocking the fish, but if you don't move quickly, it will rapidly deplete the bucket water of oxygen, and die. Try to make sure that there is little to no temperature difference between the two tanks, prior to attempting the move, too- this lessens your chances of doing harm to your fish. We've used this technique several times, at our house, and haven't lost a pleco yet. We did, however, almost lose one, the very first time we attempted it- because we tried the slower introduction of the new tank's water, into the bucket. The fish almost died from lack of oxygen- and this is why I recommend moving quickly! Your best rule of thumb, with the big guys: the bigger the fish, the more oxygen they're going to need- and the less time you have to get them from Point A to Point B. Good luck!

yes

No. They have distinct male/female counterparts, but often only breed when adult, and H.plecostomus is only adult at almost 12" long, and being that they are territorial and tricky to sex, you would need a large tropical pond to attempt to breed them.

It can if the temperature doesn't get below about 72 degrees Fahrenheit which is very unlikely. So no they can not.

You can eat anything but it is safe to eat Plecostomus if it was not a pet at any time. If it was ever a pet it was most likely put in water with certain chemicals that are dangerous to humans in consumed. However they are not the easiest things to catch in the wild and don't have much meat on them.

it is hard to tell with fish but, i can think of 3 things; a:its pregnet;b:i believe fish get gas too... and c: it is just fat

They can if it is the right temperature and doesn't get too cold.

It hides, it's got armor plates, and the dorsal and pectoral fin spines have poison glands at the base.

It all depends on the size of the fish. You should have 1 gallon per 1 inch of fish. So if you have a 2 inch fish, its two gallons of water, and so on and so forth.

They are native to South america

He wonders why you aren't going through the effort of describing the apparent symptoms of his supposed illness. XD Don't worry, lil' fella. Every little thing... is gonna be alright!

They will grow if they have a big enough tank and you are taking good care of them. The only thing really stopping there growth is the size of the fish tank. They can grow over 12 inches long.

Yes.

Yes they are good as a treat but Plecos are algae eaters. Specialised food is available for algae eaters at good pet/fish shops

A tropical Plecostomus is a type of catfish in the Plecostomus family, that lives in the tropical Americas (mostly South America).

Plecostomus are algae eaters they are not carnivores. They are also tropical fish so they should never be in an aquarium with coldwater fish like goldfish. If your Plecco is eating your goldfish you must be doing something very very wrong. Work it out.

They can live with your goldfish but this may happen, This is because you are not feeding them enough most likely.

It takes 2 to 3 days for the eggs to hatch.

Plecos don't get pregnant, and they don't give birth. They are egglayers, and the eggs are fertilized externally. If she has a bulging belly she is either sick or extremely well fed.

I had two plecostomusses in the same tank and they did fine together.

im not sure ive asked the same question as mine is doing the same , turning a lighter colour in patches on top ??

im not sure ive asked the same question as mine is doing the same , turning a lighter colour in patches on top ??

Yes, Pleco fish do change colour. From my experience their colour usually depends on their mood and health. They are normally a dark brown/black colour which means that they are healthy and happy. If their skin starts to go grey or white they are feeling ill and if they go a lighter brown it's usually because they are either stressed or annoyed. There are of course different colour varients of Pleco depending on which type you have, but as general rule of thumb, darker is better. Normally their colour changes mean harmless things, so don't worry unless they are really pale, or their colour change is a symptom of a disease (red stripes, pink inflamation around the eyes, white splotches and other such signs).