pleco_breeder wrote:This is still an L333. It has been discussed in the past, and most likely the "b" variant of L173 is either a hybrid intended to look similar to the true L173 (most do not), or someone marketing their fish to get the extra buzz from the rarity of L173. Since it's not directly related to the question, I'll leave it at saying L333.
Larry
L173b is an unfortunate label in the first place, as it is creating more and more confusion and questions among fishkeepers.
L173b was invented by Aquarium Glaser in Germany, and is not courtesey of DATZ at all. Glaser added the 'b' to a line of Hypancistrus raised by a German breeder who sell them these fish. The parent fish were/are supposedly L173, but the offspring varies so much that many of them are difficult to sell as pure L173. So, as with i.e. Koi carps, a 'b' has been added to point out that these are sort of 'b-class' L173. The few 'a-class' L173 produced by the breeder aren't even listed by Glaser, as they are sold for a higher price to awaiting customers.
L173b looks much less like L173 than what is expected of L173. So when these end up at fishkeepers thinking they bought the real deal, they often become confused and annoyed, and many ask questions about their fish at forums like this. Very understandable
Sure, L173 is as variable as many other black/white Hypancistrus, but adding letters to the numbers don't help much in this particular case.
Haakon
