Columbian Spotted Pleco

[GouramiFanatic]

I had wanted a Pleco for quite some time now and finally decided to get one last week. The lfs had him labled as Columbian Spotted Pleco and he only cost $5.99. I tried doing someone online searches to get more info about them, but have been unable to find anything at all!! Has anyone ever owned one of these? Are they known as something else? The main thing that I'm wondering is how to sex them. I'd like to know if I have a male or female. Of course any other info about this specific type of Pleco would be appreciated as well.

Thanks,
- Mandy

 

[Fishyfanatic]

What does he look like? I tried www.planetcatfish.com and can't find a Columbian Spotted. Does he look like the Trinidad Pleco on this site: http://www.liveaquaria.com/product/prod_Display.cfm?pCatId=984

 

[Fluff]

Or perhaps this.

http://www.wetpetz.com/gibbiceps.html

 

[Fishyfanatic]

I love the Gibbiceps. I've got a Sailfin and he's my favorite.

 

[GouramiFanatic]

Here's a picture of my pleco... it looks like the 2nd link that was offered to me. Although, to trained eye you guys may be able to see something that I can't which would show if this is the same kind or not...

 

[Jchillin]

First, let me say that your pleco is gorgeous. Really quite a stunner. Since I have the gibbiceps that Fluff linked, there is quite a difference with yours. Your's is lighter in color, the head a little more knotted and the spots are much larger than mine.

 

[Fluff]

I'm gonna stick with my first response of a gibbiceps. Try here.

http://www.planetcatfish.com/catelog/loricari/pterygop/148_7.php

Yours looks quite young and is lighter (yellow) in color when very small. If the link doesn't work, go to planetcatfish.com and search L-083

Also, I have pics of one in my gallery somewhere. It's the same pleco but the colors are different in both pics.

 

[GouramiFanatic]

I noticed that my Pleco has a weird looking patch of skin on it's left side. It's kind of like there's a dustiness to it. I went back and looked at the some photos that I took of it the first week that I got it and it had the same patch back then. I'm not sure if this is something that's bad or something that I shouldn't be worried about. I am currently treating the aquarium for Ich (but apparently he's had this patch of skin since I brought him home). I haven't seen it rubbing up against anything or acting strange. I really don't think that it's bothering it at all. I circled the patch that I'm looking at to make it easier. Can I get some thoughts on this please?

- Mandy

 

[Fluff]

Could just be faded coloring. I've seen lots of gibbs like that.