another annoying ID thread- ancistrus

[msjinkzd]

Hey guys. I got this pair about 4 or 5 years ago from a hobbyist who had to relocate out of the country. All he told me is that they were from Peru.
Any guesses? Thanks

[Shane]

Rachel,
Take a look at Ancistrus sp. Pucallpa. The appearance of blue eyes may be a trick of the pic itself, but could also be cataracts caused by having used a treatment of malachite green in their tank. The good news is that these "medicinal caused" cataracts do not seem to have any negative impact on the animals. I do not know why but loricarrid eyes are easily damaged by even low doses of malachite green.
-Shane

[msjinkzd]

they are not cataracts (eyes are clear)- that is overhead flash wiht no direct light source. They do have a blue appearance (albeit not cloudy in real life). I totally forgot I even HAD these fish, they haven't bred, and I hadn't really seen them much. I will snap better pics, and will absolutely look at that species. Thanks shane!

[Karsten S.]

Hi,

this one perhaps (from Rio Itaya, rather close to the export hub Iquitos):


But the eyes look different.

Cheers,

[msjinkzd]

that body coloration looks spot on. i will do better photos. I guess in reality, it doesn't matter TOO much, except i have them set up (finally) to breed, and would love to know what i am sharing