How to tell H. punctatum from Lepthoplosternum pectorale

Chrysichthys · Post by **Chrysichthys** » 10 Mar 2005, 13:50

I got some Hoplosternum punctatum earlier this week, but the guy at the LFS said he wasn't sure about the I.D. I can eliminate every other possibility except L. pectorale, which, going by the pics in ScotCat, seems very similar. Can anyone help out?

Post by **Silurus** » 10 Mar 2005, 14:16

You should be able to tell by the shape of the caudal fin (forked in H. punctatum, rounded in L. pectorale).

Chrysichthys · Post by **Chrysichthys** » 11 Mar 2005, 13:57

Thanks, in that case they are indeed H. punctatum. I'll let the LFS know; unlike most, they really try to get correct ID's for what they sell, and don't just take their suppliers' word for it.