Another variation on the Cactus Pleco (L600)

PseudaSmart · Post by **PseudaSmart** » 30 Sep 2012, 01:31

There are always surprises in a grow out tank with a lot of hiding places! While moving fry to other tanks (and the much hated job of culling) this one found my net. I has seen this one several months ago when I transferred it into a larger grow out tank. It was only about 1" at the time and already looked a bit different, but not like now!

: Mini_L600_albino1.JPG (29.54 KiB) Viewed 3595 times

The only worry is that it has been out in the open more than normal. After this photo I moved it to a tank with less tankmates to ensure it continues to grow. It is about 2".

I also posted a short video on my YouTube channel - PseudaSmart if you want to see more.

Jim

(Yes the other was a stub nose and was culled. I did not want to take a lot of time with repeating photos)

Suckermouth · Post by **Suckermouth** » 30 Sep 2012, 02:29

It's a nice looking fish, but I'm not sure you know what "albino" means.

PseudaSmart · Post by **PseudaSmart** » 30 Sep 2012, 03:24

For only being a grad "student" you have a lot of spunk.

yes I know the proper use of the term. There are very few true albinos in the world so most use the term loosely. Creative titles peak a persons interest. Look at all the tag lines on news pages.

If you have a better short caption that fits I am open to suggestions. Black and white cactus or zebra cactus sounded boring.

No ill will here, just trying share the fun.
Jim

Suckermouth · Post by **Suckermouth** » 30 Sep 2012, 04:12

Indeed, true albinos are quite rare, but I think it's better not to be misleading. ;)

prairiefire · Post by **prairiefire** » 30 Sep 2012, 04:58

I have to say I'm a bit dissapointed .... was expecting a pic of a near albino L-600

wet-handed · Post by **wet-handed** » 30 Sep 2012, 06:08

It does say "near albino" and I think this is an awesome looking fish that anyone would be proud to show off at least I know I would. Will you be keeping this one or passing it on for another to enjoy. Iam just curious what percentage of fry get culled an what are the traits. Iam a bit of a nooby, still growing out my first few hypancistrus fry. I apologize if these are rude or dumb questions

PseudaSmart · Post by **PseudaSmart** » 30 Sep 2012, 13:55

Your questions are very appropriate. I have bred over a dozen different species if fish besides cactus plecos and the percentages are all over the board. The parents also directly influence the quality of the offspring due to the genetic mixing. One pair will give almost all perfect young and another will bring disaster.
There are many experts on Hypans on PC but for me I have never had to cull any for genetic issues. Cardinal Tetras and Danios are almost always trouble free but Pearl Gourami's tend to have issues.

There are four issues with L600s. I am not sure if they apply to L114s. The first is the stub nose. It may be a dominate trait on other L species but it does not belong here. The second issue is broken/bent pectoral fins. Until they get over 2" they pack themselves tightly together in the corner of the tank or in caves and the like. You can have 10 in a 20 gal tank and they will all be jammed together. Next issue is that some of the fry never grow. There are several factors tied into this issue. The last issue is battle damage. The major fighting stops when they reach 2" until then they all want to hide to survive.

I am taking better notes on my latest spawns but the percentage that reach sellable size is very low. My best guess is 20-30%.

Hope this answers some of your questions.
Jim