Should I be concerned?

[Loser]

Hi everyone! It’s been a while. Hope you’re all staying safe during these troubled times.
This is a question about my common pleco who has something sticking out of his anus. He’s eating and pooping normally, he’s active and doesn’t appear to be in distress or pain. I’m wondering what this could be? I’ve done some research and someone suggested a prolapse. Do you know what this is and how I can resolve the issue?
Many thanks.

[Martinspuddle]

Quite normal for a Hypostomus plecostomus.

If you look up images on Google and look for picture showing the belly, you'll they all have this protrusion.

[Loser]

Quite normal for a Hypostomus plecostomus.

If you look up images on Google and look for picture showing the belly, you'll they all have this protrusion.

That’s relieving, so this is nothing I should worry about? I have looked up a few pictures and didn’t see it, I found a post with a similar issue and the answers were suggesting a prolapse. I panicked. Thanks so much for putting my mind at ease.

[Martinspuddle]

Years ago when I had a large Plecostomus, he had this and from what I remember is part of the anatomy of this family of fish.

[black ghost]

That’s a Pterygoplichthys, not a Hypostomus. It’s the male genital papilla. They often protrude, whereas the female’s is thicker but usually kept recessed.

[Loser]

This is wonderful! Thanks so much. Panic is over now. Thanks for everyone that responded.
Take care everyone!