PlanetCatfish.com

Hi folks:

I own what I thought was a Liposarcus pardalis, but I'm starting to wonder. Physical structure certainly resembles Liposarcus pardalis, but the markings do not.

I can't get a decent picture; apparently he thinks cameras are the work of the devil and hides everytime I bring it near the tank LOL but he does resemble this guy: http://www.planetcatfish.com/ilibrary/l ... /88_10.htm. My guys markings consist of 3 lighter banded lines between the ventral and anal fins, and what are almost long oval shaped spectacles between his eyes and ventrals.

Do some regular ol' Pardalis' have banded markings? Might it be a form of camoflauge (sp)? I checked the pics here on Planet Catfish, but none of the fish seen seem to exhibit them. Or is it possible this is some sort of deficienty or something to worry about?

Thanx!

It's probably natural. <i>Liposarcus pardalis</i> has very variable markings depending on individuals and tank conditions. They usually range from some kind of mottled pattern to an almost uniform dark gray.

Whew! The markings have become more apparent in the past couple of months, and I started getting paranoid.

He's always had the standard Liposarcus small dark blotches on the yellowy tan backround; it was these new lighter areas that threw me for a loop, especially since they are so regular (especially that spectacle lookin one on his back - so very unlike the random normal markings). Started wondering if it was a nutritional deficit or something (which would be unlikely, as he gets 2 diff kinds of sinking algae based foods as well as his beloved driftwood, the tank is well cycled, and params are all where they need to be).

If he ever gets over his fear of the "soul stealer" I'll grab a pic.

Thanx, Silurus, for easing my mind!