Photo of male Panaque Maccus.

MatsP · Post by **MatsP** » 14 Dec 2005, 10:53

I promised, a long time ago, to get a shot of my male Clown Pleco. The little fish finally co-operated in coming out to eat while I had the camera nearby.

Jools: if you want me to mail you the photo, just let me know, as I don't think there's a good shot showing the male read body odontodes in the Cat-eLog...

--
Mats

skullymaster · Post by **skullymaster** » 14 Dec 2005, 21:13

Hi Mats!

I've got another pic of the odontodes:

Dorsal view:

I think it's interesting that the odontodes even goes up to the head!

"Caudal" view:

Greetz Tobi

Candice · Post by **Candice** » 14 Dec 2005, 23:01

Beautiful pics. Furry little beasts. I love em.

bronzefry · Post by **bronzefry** » 15 Dec 2005, 14:26

I didn't realize just how furry they got! Does anybody know the purpose of the fur?

I'm just curious.
Amanda

Griparn · Post by **Griparn** » 15 Dec 2005, 14:41

Nice photos Tobi and good to see you around here!

skullymaster · Post by **skullymaster** » 15 Dec 2005, 15:10

Hi Jonas!

Some news with your Panaqolus?

@Amanda:
They only got the furry in the winter, when it's very cold!

No, just a joke, i think it's a protection so that no other fish could come to the eggs/frys.

Greetz Tobi

pturley · Post by **pturley** » 15 Dec 2005, 15:45

Bronzefry wrote:

Does anybody know the purpose of the fur?

If it increases the chances of reproductive success (increased fitness), it will be favored by evolution.

The male fish can be stuck defending the nest for three weeks or more. It makes perfect sense that these heavy odontodes would be favored by evolution.
1. They make the fish much less appetizing for a potential predator. They'd be fairly easy prey for larger fish otherwise.
2. They also increase the ability of the male fish to defend the nest from smaller egg-robbing fish.
3. Aid in defense to prevent other Loricariids from usurping the nest site.
4. May also be favored by mate-choice. Females by choosing males with heavy odontode growth may also play a role in the further evolution of this feature.

UNTgolf · Post by **UNTgolf** » 15 Dec 2005, 15:49

Those are wonderful photos, what lens do you use or camera?

skullymaster · Post by **skullymaster** » 15 Dec 2005, 15:56

Hi Sean!

It is the Casio Exilim Z-30. More pics on my page ;)

Greetz Tobi

Kana3 · Post by **Kana3** » 17 Dec 2005, 04:09

What size is that one with it's head in the pot, Tobi?

skullymaster · Post by **skullymaster** » 17 Dec 2005, 12:35

Hi!

It's both the same fish, 7cm total length.

Greetz Tobi

bronzefry · Post by **bronzefry** » 17 Dec 2005, 13:52

Paul,
I had a Homer Simpson "Doh" moment when I first posted the question(maybe to keep them warm?). Then I thought about it for a moment. These aren't mammals! All the "L" numbered creatures I observe growing fur are egg-sitters and the males grow much more fur than the females. Thanks for the extended response.

Lovely photos Tobi! How often do they breed?
Amanda

skullymaster · Post by **skullymaster** » 17 Dec 2005, 14:14

Hi Amanda!

I've got these catfish since end of august '05, they spawned the first time one month later, the same male spawned with another female one month later again. Three weeks after that another male spawned with the female form the first spawn, so you can say they spawn every 4 weeks!

Greetz Tobi

bronzefry · Post by **bronzefry** » 19 Dec 2005, 14:56

Keep up the good work, Tobi!

Amanda

blueguava · Post by **blueguava** » 21 Dec 2005, 07:19

GREAT PICS

Out of interest what size is your male?

Regards
Gavin

MatsP · Post by **MatsP** » 21 Dec 2005, 10:51

Similar to Tobi's, mine is about 7cm (3") total length. Not very big, the females are longer and wider.

--
Mats

Photo of male Panaque Maccus.

Photo of male Panaque Maccus.

Size