pitbull pleco

[TIGER9]

does anyone know why the pitbull pleco, LDA-25,(parotocinclus jumbo) is called the "pitbull" pleco?
considering they are rather small and pretty docile, just doesnt seem a good common name.

 

[wayne]

It's a mystery to me too

 

[Purple]

"The specific epithet refers to the large size attained by the species in contrast to its congeners" - Planetcatfish.com

Basically - it means it's big for its type - go to planetcatfish - search "pitbull"

 

[TIGER9]

i already looked on planetcatfish. i read that part. but for somethin that looks so much like ur more common plecos, why is the pitbull plec classified in the parotocinclus genus?

 

[Purple]

Originally posted by TIGER9
i already looked on planetcatfish. i read that part. but for somethin that looks so much like ur more common plecos, why is the pitbull plec classified in the parotocinclus genus?

The experts put these things under a micro-scope to find the anomalies. They count the rays on the fins, the number and frequencies of teeth - (yes, they have teeth) - even the scales per square inch - (tho not on pl*cs) - every minute difference is logged carefully. To you or me they may look the same - to a biologist they all look very different indeed.

It may seen trivial - but correct ID can mean a lot of difference in diet and breeding behaviour - so it does matter in the long run.