Unknown Hypancistrus

[fishboy20]

I am unsure what species I have here. I was originally told they were H. sp. "Belo Monte" but after seeing photos of a few of these I am doubtful. What does everyone think?

~Jeremy

[Segelkaerpfling]

Hello,

I think it's L66, a Hypancistrus-species from Belo Monte in Brazil, but could possibly be L333.

Greetings,
Adrian

[Jon]

I agree; they look a great deal like young L-66.

[Karsten S.]

Hi,

what exactly makes you doubt that this is H. sp . "Belo Monte" (L 400) ?!
What is the size of the bigger fish ?

Cheers,

[fishboy20]

Here is another photo, not as good but hopefully it helps. Any ideas? They came in as H. sp. L66 but the pattern seems totally different to what I have seen from L066's.

[Yann]

Hi!!
no idea on the first ones...look rather young and still could be a belo monte or a L333 or something else!!
regarding the last one...the caudal pedoncle is rather thick and the body is rather high...so very likely to be a L333!!
Cheers
Yann

[Sanplec]

When I look at L066 and L333, L333 seems to have a more comparable pattern.
What do you guys think?

[Karsten S.]

Hi,

I think the pattern is not suited to decide if it is this Hypancistrus sp. or another one.
Hypancistrus sp. are in general very variable with respect to the pattern.

If you want to ID Hypancistrus sp. you should focus more on the shape and the teeth (exceptions like L 46 confirm this rule ).

Cheers,

[Jon]

I agree. Whereas L-66 is a more elongate fish when mature, L-33 is stockier and more high bodied.

[Sanplec]

Wauw ok!
It's good I came to this forum, a chance to learn more!

[rickylbc]

L-333.. I have some of the same pattern and color.