Is this normal? - BRISTLENOSE KEEPER ADVICE NEEDED

[misl]

All bushy nose pecos have the ability to extend the side area of their gills for protection. Just try and get an adult BN out of a net. They usually extend these when caught in a net , the spines are sometimes diffucult to remove from the net until the fish relaxes. You can imagine a predator trying to eat one of these guys with the spines sticking out from each side. you will see them flexing these out sometimes and it does look like a piece of broccoli standing out on each side.
best regards mike

[monkE]

If you've ever got one stuck in a net you'd know. They stick them straight out and very hard to get them to release to get him out of the net.



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All bushy nose pecos have the ability to extend the side area of their gills for protection. Just try and get an adult BN out of a net. They usually extend these when caught in a net , the spines are sometimes diffucult to remove from the net until the fish relaxes. You can imagine a predator trying to eat one of these guys with the spines sticking out from each side. you will see them flexing these out sometimes and it does look like a piece of broccoli standing out on each side.
best regards mike

Thanks guys, I will have to remember to never try and net these guys cause I can definitely picture that being a real pain in the neck

such a relief to know that he's just good and healthy, definitely one of the coolest fish i've ever kept.