What preparation method makes zucchini or cucumber more accessible for *H. zebra*?

Blanching

While incorporating vegetables provides essential roughage and nutrients for the Zebra Pleco, these catfish often show reluctance toward grazing on hard, raw vegetable chunks that might persist uneaten for extended periods. To increase palatability and accessibility, vegetables such as zucchini, cucumber, or sweet potato should undergo blanching. Blanching involves briefly boiling or steaming the vegetable slightly. This process softens the texture of the vegetable matter, making it significantly easier for the pleco to consume, thus encouraging necessary intake of these beneficial food components. Regardless of preparation, these perishable items must be removed promptly after feeding to avoid spoilage.