Can plecos wink/blink?

Question

Well I was checking on the tank and I saw Rocky(My pleco) eating algae and then he stops eating and just winks/blinks at me and I thought fish don't have eyelids oh and once we had a staring contest but I won since he blinked/winked.

Answer 1

I just got a plecko and if they do appear to blink it is probably the protective covering over their eyes.

I may have to try that starring contest sounds cute!

I have not named mine yet as I wait to make sure my fish live a week before naming them.

Answer 2

Most fish cannot block all light from their eyes since they have no true eyelids but some catfish can block out light with adapted omega irises (i.e. plecos), and others (i.e. cories) can blink their eyes.

So to be technical, no, he cannot blink or wink, but it looks like he can.

=)

Answer 3

Yes.. plecos can 'blink'

While they dont technically have eyelids, they can roll their eyeballs down into their sockets so they vanish, and it looks like a blink. I think this is a protective thing they do if they are fighting or digging in the gravel.

They also have an adjusting iris that gives them good day AND night vision.

Ian