Accidental hybrid or just an unusual looking clown ?

[ali12345]

I have a general community tank without any additions for at least 5 years. Yesterday I spotted this out and about and just looks not right and a bit odd. Not sure it is obvious in the photos but it looks shortened in the front

It looks similar to a Panaqolus maccus which I have at least one , the other similar fish I have are l66 l333 l340. It is a 10 ft tank so I don't see them often at all. Somehow a nearly foot long 30 year old syno went missing for months so I had to dismantle all the wood and rockwork.

Or is it just old and sick ?

[Jools]

It's an unusual-looking old male clown. And on that opening line, I certainly open myself up for ridicule!

I might have suggested it seems to be a bit stunted but given you seem to be keeping fish for a long time (well done!) I think just old.

Jools

[bekateen]

I concur with Jools. It's an old male clown pleco.

Cheers, Eric

[ali12345]

Thank you both. I worry that being exposed now he is in failing health after many years of shyness