I've noticed as some plecos get older they get patchy discolouration on their bodies.

You see it a lot with large common plecs whereas some don't seem to be affected.

I have a bristlenose about 2 inches long & he is starting to get the same changes to his pattern.

I'm sure its not disease etc, but wonder if it could be related to diet as I'd rather he kept his original uniform pattern.

Anyone know what this is & whether it's preventable?

Cheers,
Patrick

Usually plecos go pale, typically light patches down either side of the dorsal, there or four of them on each side, when they are disturbed or brought out into the light. If the fish is displaying like that all the time I suspect something is making him uncomfortable, are there enough hiding places, is there a fish in the tank hassling him, does he have enough room etc.

Can you post a photo?

Most fish fade with age, but as ancistrus live a very long time, I doubt it is age that in causing the problem here.

Thanks Daragh,

The fish is one of the small golden bristlenose from patstop a while back so certainly not related to age.

He is in 130 litres of water with not many other fish but I use the tank to raise my cichlid fry so there's not a huge amount of decor.

I'll have a bit of a redesign & see if he improves with more hiding places. Will try & get a photo but it seems plecos don't like the paparazzi

-Patrick

(sorry for hijacking this post)
ive noticed the same with my 2 pleco's .
9 inch sailfin and 2 1/2 bristlenose pleco but they have plenty of cover. (plus 200ish ltrs)
looking forward to more info if there is any on the way!

The lights maybe too bright for them, when you turn on the lights are they faded already or do they only fade then?

I don't think you have anything to worry about, some plecos go pale more easily than others.

i only have the lights on from about 5 till 11 pm
sucker/sailfin stays under cover all day and only apears when all lights are off (except blue LED's which i put on when the tv is on)
bristlenose stays out all day.
both feed well so i suppose all is ok btw i noticed the corys fade well when they get older so that proves fish fade with age!
bit like my hair!!!!!
matt