Why is my algae eater hiding in the cave?

Question

My algae eater is hiding in the cave almost all the time. Why is it staying there and not coming out?

Answer 1

Algae eaters normally come out at night, and I have a pleco that will stay in it's castle for days at a time. It's completely normal. They are shy and they don't like alot of light. If you get up in the middle of the night and turn on a light far away from the tank, you should be able to see him.

Answer 2

What type of algae eater do you have?  Plecostumus tend to be nocturnal, as do catfish.  So it is perfectly normal for one to stay in a cave during day, and then come out during the night, or when lights turn off.  Currently mine is in its cave, and I can go days without seeing it.  But that's to be expected.

Answer 3

im guessing you are talking about a pleco if so that is just what they do dont have the light on for more than four hours during the day this way it is darker for it

if the tank is in a busy room then he wont come out until the room is dark and silent there is nothing wrong with it they just arent very interesting to watch as they are very intimidated and arnt quite as friendly as the conventional goldfish

Answer 4

my 2 do the same thing it is because there is a lot of algea inside the rocks