Confused about species of pleco L204?

[bludusty]

Purchased this guy/girl early this week and it was sold to me as a L204 "Flash" pleco. There are so many similar plecos, I find it difficult to really decide if it is a L204 or not. Sorry photos weren't the best but hope he can be identified at this forum. Thanks in advance for any future replies.

[MatsP]

The is certainly not L204. It is one of the Hypancistrus species, perhaps

Hypancistrus debilittera

(L129), but there are a few others that look similar.

L204

is quite distinct in it's black base colour and thin yellow stripes. It also has a tail with long extensions on the top and bottom.

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Mats

[bigbird]

def not an L204. Would demand a refund. cheers jk

[MatsP]

def not an L204. Would demand a refund. cheers jk

Well, L204 isn't a very expensive fish, and the Hypancistrus species is probably the same price. The Hypancistrus is probably also easier to breed. Which is better looking or otherwise "better" is of course a case of personal opinion.

--
Mats

[pleco_breeder]

I would tend to call this fish

L270

based on the more laterally compressed head profile. As Mats stated, there are several species that look very similar. Likewise, the angle of the pics doesn't make it easy to distinguish these two similar species.

Larry

[jac]

Not L204 for sure. To me it looks like

L340

.

[Unungy]

agree L340.

[MatsP]

I edited a few of the above posts to add clog tags around the L-numbers, so they can be viewed easily (by hovering over or clicking on the links).

From what I know, the eyes being that on top of the head usually means Rio Orinoco drainage, where fish from the Rio Xingu or Rio Amazon tributaries have the eyes more on the side of the head. This fish certainly looks like it's from the Rio Orinoco distribution by the account.

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Mats

[pleco_breeder]

A pic from above would clarify whether the fish is L340. Although the color and markings of the fish is very nice, the striations seem a bit too straight and vertical to match the pattern I'm used to seeing on L340.

Larry

[bludusty]

I added an album of photos @ photobucket to help ID him. I believe it is a "HIM" and hope someone will know for sure. Thanks for all the responses, I sure appreciate them. I want to do more research on keeping this little guy happy and healthy. He is a cutie and I really enjoy all my fish.
http://s39.photobucket.com/albums/e194/ ... w%20pleco/

[pleco_breeder]

Looking at the pics, I have to change my mind and agree with the L340 ID. You are also correct in calling it a him. Very nice looking male.

Larry

[plecorocks]

As other more experienced people have already stated not L204. I also think L340. I have an easier time getting L204's here, so I'd be happy with that "mistake". Beautiful fish, enjoy!

[wrasse]

I don't keep hypancistrus, but why aren't you guys saying L134 ? Just wondering...

[MatsP]

I don't keep hypancistrus, but why aren't you guys saying L134 ? Just wondering...

Because it doesn't look like one ;)

The bottom edge of the black on

L134

usually has rounded corners... This fish has NO rounded corners on ANY of the black stripes. The stripes are also generally too even and equal width.

--
Mats

[DazSH]

Defo not L204 think weve got that i have 3 of them defo much different as for cost there normally close in price l204 near me were almost immpossible to get hold of took 2 years for decent size to appear on list. As for breeding l204 are not easy i have a potential breeding group and aint crossing my fingers just letting them run there course, so what you have maybe better good luck..

[bludusty]

Thanks for all the replies to my ID question but I do have one more question to ask (if I may). My two friends and I each purchased one of these plecos, (3 in all) one friends pleco died, but here's a photo of mine,(probably a boy) with my friends pleco. Could we be fortunate to possibly have a pair? If so that would really be great! Everyone tells me that pairing off any fish is better when you buy 6 or more. They only had 3 so now with only two, if they are NOT a pair, guess I will have to search for a few more of them. Thanks again for your help.

[bludusty]

another photo of the two of them.

[pleco_breeder]

I would say the top fish is a male, but can't tell with the bottom one because of the angle and small photo size. Another pic may be able to answer your question.

Edit: you didn't have the third pic up when I was making my reply. Both look to be male.

Larry

[bludusty]

Thank you Larry, can you tell me what to look for to determine the sexes. One has smaller pectorial fins with the edge of the fin not a thick as the other fish and that is why I thought they might be male and female.

[pleco_breeder]

Females are wider behind the pectoral fins and not as well defined head shape. In this species, I've never owned a female that had any lengthened odontode growth on the pectoral fins either.

Larry