I have 2 4 inch gf and 2 2 1/2 inch gf w/ a pleco I guess hes a common I bought them all together the pleco was 1/2 inch when I bought him now hes 4 almost 5 inches why is the pleco so bad for goldies???

Because he will keep on growing, and growing, and growing and eventually suck the scales or eyes off your goldfish. The main reason bristlenose plecos are compatible with goldfish is that they don't grow bigger than 3".

really??? ewe but i he just stick to the intake tube they chase (gf) him around all the time poor guy

Ah is that so? I thought cos they're more timid than commons. Hmm so I guess it's best if my gf grow faster than my pleco

There will come a time where he will outsize your fish-if not in body length-then in strength alone.There have been way too many reports that have confirmed this.Common Pleco's grow over a foot long,and most times are kept in too small of Aquariums,and not fed enough ,or a well-balanced diet.They seem to prey on any Goldie that rests on the bottom of the tanks at night and attack them.I'm not saying that all will do this,I will say that they are rather known for it...I personally would be afraid to risk the chance...

You may be right Riz, timid or small, both is good for goldfish.

Also, when young, they are primarily vegetarian, but as they grow they become more carnivorous, and some will start to prey on the slime coat of resting goldfish. This can stress the fish and cause body sores that can then cause ulcers, etc.

Oh no!!!! The more I read, the worse goldfish owner I find out I am!

I was told by the Pet Store that Plecos get big, but are totally safe in any tank! Looks like the Pleco will be tossed in a pond come Spring!

I started with a 1 gallon tank for one fish. Then I bought a 10 gallon tank and was told that 3 goldfish would be fine! Now it looks like I better go find a 30 gallon set-up quickly and dump poor Hoover! What is the saying? Ignorance is Bliss! lol

When I first started I had a common, not knowing better. Things were fine at first, but he kept growing and growing (huge!) and started going after everyone!

As much as I didn't want to get rid of him, I had to take him to a lfs that I deal with and also trust.

I did get two rubber-lipped pl*cos and have one in each tank. They stay small like the bristlenosed. I've had them about a year now and no trouble

BTW-pl*cos are really cool critters in the right environment;-)

Hope this helps.

I actually like common plecos, but you really need a big tank for them, and once they are large, I think they do best on their own, since they tend to eat their smaller tank mates.

My large pleco once ate almost a whole tank of guppies before I clued into what was going on

He then lived out his life on his own in a 33 gallon tank.

so ooooooooooo would the fancy guppies be better for plex my pleco I love him well I think its a him