Advice: LDA33/L142 Snowball plec / Big White Spot or L102?

JonS · Post by **JonS** » 28 Nov 2004, 13:25

Hi There,

I've justed ordered an LDA33 which I was told was a "Snowball Plec" I ordered it by the number so if the common name is wrong it shouldn't make a huge difference.

I noticed browsing this site hat LDA33 is the same as L142 which are refered to as "Big White Spot" plec

I also noticed L102 is called a "Snowball Plec"

Which is correct? The book in the shop said Snowball against LDA33?

LDA33 they said only gets to around 6" max. The supplier currently has 10 - 11 cm 's in stock the moment so that is what I'll be getting.

Any help or advice greatly apreciated as I want to gather as much information on my new fish as possible for when it arrives.

Many Thanks

Post by **Birger** » 28 Nov 2004, 18:02

That's the thing about common names, they can be called one thing where you are and another somewhere else anyone can make up a name, stick to scientific names when possible or L-numbers(as not all L-numbers have been given a scientific name yet)
Yes, it can be confusing but with a little time and patience it all almost makes sense.

Do a search for LDA33 with the search engine above and you will find some of the info you need.

JonS · Post by **JonS** » 29 Nov 2004, 19:41

I've had a long read through some older threads on here.

How can I tell I'm definetly getting an LDA33 and not a snowball plec or one of the other similar ones?

sirbooks · Post by **sirbooks** » 29 Nov 2004, 21:31

I'm pretty sure that LDA33 and L142 are the same exact fish, the "Big White Spot" pleco. These fish reach about the same length (I think) as the L102 fish, so size won't really help with identification.
However, the L102 cat has clear dorsal and caudal fins except for a black area on the edges. Also, the L102 fish is lighter in color than the jet black LDA33. I hope that helps a little bit.;)

JonS · Post by **JonS** » 29 Nov 2004, 23:42

Sorry I meant how can I check I'm not getting a Snowball Plec (L102) rather than the LDA33/L142 Big White spot I ordered.

racoll · Post by **racoll** » 30 Nov 2004, 12:36

english names don't mean a lot i'm afraid.

best id for snowballs is checking the mouth pics in the cat-elog. baryancistrus is quite different from hypancistrus, scobiancistrus, leporancanthicus etc.

as far as relying on the english names when ordering a fish.....

you take your chances.

all nice fish though.

JonS · Post by **JonS** » 30 Nov 2004, 13:42

Thanks. I don't think I'll have any problems as I ordered an "LDA33" not by it's common name.

Going to call them up and confirm the scientific name with them 100%