ID for the Pleco?

scolba · Post by **scolba** » 06 Apr 2005, 19:00

My buddy bought this as a common, but doesn't think it is. Its about 10-12" long currently. I don't really know where to begin trying to ID it, so I figured I'd ask here....

thanks!!!

Post by **Silurus** » 06 Apr 2005, 19:02

It's a common.

scolba · Post by **scolba** » 06 Apr 2005, 19:02

another view

scolba · Post by **scolba** » 06 Apr 2005, 19:04

holy cow that was fast!!!! Thanks as always Silurus!! Do you think you could explain what you look for when IDing these?

Post by **Silurus** » 06 Apr 2005, 19:07

The size of the dorsal fin (to distinguish between Hypostomus with only 8 fin rays and Pterygoplichthys with 11-14). After that I look at color pattern to distinguish species, but it can be often variable, making identifications iffy sometimes.

scolba · Post by **scolba** » 06 Apr 2005, 19:10

man...i wish i possesed an 8th of your knowlege on our finned friends!!!!

Thanks again!!

MatsP · Post by **MatsP** » 07 Apr 2005, 11:30

scolba wrote:man...i wish i possesed an 8th of your knowlege on our finned friends!!!!

Thanks again!!

I'd be perfectly happy with any fraction above 1/20th of what HH knows.

But it's good to have him here to learn from...

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Mats