What kind of pleco is this?

S

Steph_D

Large Fish
#1
Feb 27, 2006
123
0
0
Noel, MO, extreme SW corner of the state
#1
This little guy came with the used 55 gallon tank that I just bought and I thought I'd ask what kind he is. I'm not a huge pleco fan, but thought I'd keep him if he didn't get too big. I'm guessing he's a common, but would like your opinions to make sure. If he is a common, I have someone already lined up that wants him, so he'll have a good home.

Not the best picture, but the best that I could get.
 

Pure

Pure

Elite Fish
#3
Nov 1, 2005
3,216
7
0
Jacksonville, FL
#3
I highly doubt he is what has been suggested. People who buy that kind of plec are normally not so easy about getting rid of them.

From the pic you gave us there is no way I can even attempt to ID him. Get a better pic and I will try. Pull the plec out and shoot him offa the counter if you have to.
 

Toam

Toam

Large Fish
#4
Jul 27, 2005
548
0
0
45
Grove, Oklahoma
#4
Pure said:
I highly doubt he is what has been suggested. People who buy that kind of plec are normally not so easy about getting rid of them.

From the pic you gave us there is no way I can even attempt to ID him. Get a better pic and I will try. Pull the plec out and shoot him offa the counter if you have to.
Click to expand...
I don't even know what my reaction would be if I ever saw someones pics of their fish, with the fish laying on their countertop. That would be freakin hilarious "I just couldn't get him to sit still" and kinda sadistic at the same time, "now just hold your breath Nemo".
Anywho, just wanted to say, that was a funny *** suggestion pure :p

p.s. I can't tell either, but I'm gonna guess a common.
 

M

maxphran

Small Fish
#5
May 18, 2006
12
0
0
#5
I thought commons were more consistant in their colour, less spotty. It's belly looks a bit like the belly of my sailfin. Maybe you should search common in yahoo/google images to see if it matches?
 

Pure

Pure

Elite Fish
#6
Nov 1, 2005
3,216
7
0
Jacksonville, FL
#6
LMAO Toam! It's done all the time with plecos. They also have a tendency to stick all of their fins straight up when out of water..making an ID much more simple.

I agree about the common guess, but do not want to lay claim to that until I see a better pic.
 

Toam

Toam

Large Fish
#7
Jul 27, 2005
548
0
0
45
Grove, Oklahoma
#7
I just threw it out, because ot be honest, all my common pleco's looked like leopard pleco's as babies, the colouring just seems to be more spotted when they are young, and I find it goes into banding when they get older. You know what I'm talking about Pure? I'm sure you've seen enough juvenile commons lol.
 

Pure

Pure

Elite Fish
#13
Nov 1, 2005
3,216
7
0
Jacksonville, FL
#13
It's not a common. And it isn't a Panaque that is for sure. The body structure is all wrong for that and is is most definitely not a cactus plec. I'm being lazy tonight, so tomorrow I will research it and try and find a match with my books.
 

Pure

Pure

Elite Fish
#17
Nov 1, 2005
3,216
7
0
Jacksonville, FL
#17
I've been digging through my aqualog and DATZ and the closest I can match him up to is an L119 Hypostomus sp. Estimated max size is 12 inches. Wood and veggies should make up the majority of it's diet.

I'll keep checking but the L119 is a dead ringer to your pic.
 

Pure

Pure

Elite Fish
#18
Nov 1, 2005
3,216
7
0
Jacksonville, FL
#18
OK all done. I'm 100% convinced it is some sort of Hypostomus sp with L119 being the closest match.

Even if it isn't a L119, all Hypostomus sp grow to be rather large 1-2 feet.
 

M

mosha

New Fish
#19
May 20, 2006
1
0
0
#19
Hello Steph,
I was looking through this forum and I noticed your message. I have only registered to post a reply lol!
I have exactly the same plec....well he looks identical and its a Spotted Hypostomus or "Hypostomus punctatus"[/lol. his fins look a little skinnier and his tail looks a bit crooked but this may be due to other fish biting it. Maybe thats the reason the person who sold u the tank give it away!
Hope u keep it anyway, theyre really nice fish. Mine is my favourite in the tank as he comes to the surface to take algae wafers from me!lol

Take care *PEACE!*
 

S

Steph_D

Large Fish
#20
Feb 27, 2006
123
0
0
Noel, MO, extreme SW corner of the state
#20
Thank you SO MUCH for all your help! Now I'm off to do some research and find out if he'd fit for what I want in my aquarium. Would he do ok, fully grown, in a 55g tank?

I'm not really a large pleco person, but this guy's really starting to grow on me:D I think I'll be keeping him if he'll be ok in my tank.

Thank you again!
 

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