Top 10 Fresh Fruits and Vegetables to Feed to Plecos

Just because plecos can eat algae in your freshwater fish tank doesn't mean that's all they need.

In fact, you're doing a real disservice to creatures like Petey the Pleco (pictured above) by dropping them in the aquarium with the "set it and forget it" technique. And, no, plecos don't eat fish poop!

Fresh fruits and vegetables, dipped into the tank with help from The Pleco Feeder, are an excellent way to round out your plecos' diets. Here are the top 10, in no particular order.

1. Zucchini squash
2. Butternut squash
3. Cantaloupe melon
4. Snap peas
5. Broccoli
6. Kale
7. Cucumber
8. Green beans (fresh, not canned)
9. Watermelon
10. Spinach leaves

Of course, this top 10 list isn't exhaustive. These are just some of the most common choices.

Don't be afraid to switch it up. Even if the plecos enjoy a nice slice of zucchini, they can get bored if that's all they get.

A great technique is to take leftovers or trimmings from a salad you made for yourself and give it all to the plecos (minus everything that isn't produce). 

It's fine if you want to blanch the produce first, but it's not typically necessary. A rinse in some water (no soap) is a good idea, though.

How about you? What do you feed your plecos?