Types of Plecos

[Amicus]

Hi all,
In another post I was asked if I had a common pleco. I was sold a pleco that I was told was a BN. I bought it at 1" long and it is now about 2 1/2" long. There are no bristles developing around the snout or the nose. I don't think it's a common, how can you tell? I don't have a pic but it is dark with greyish spots the tips of the dorsal and tail fins are white. From the description can anyone offer some guidance? I would have a pic but it is very seclusive. I will try. I also could not find a picture on the net.
Thanks

 

[karen21]

Hi all,
In another post I was asked if I had a common pleco. I was sold a pleco that I was told was a BN. I bought it at 1" long and it is now about 2 1/2" long. There are no bristles developing around the snout or the nose. I don't think it's a common, how can you tell? I don't have a pic but it is dark with greyish spots the tips of the dorsal and tail fins are white. From the description can anyone offer some guidance. I would have a pic but it is very seclusive. I will try. I also could not find a picture on the net.
Thanks

Hi,
i have a Bristle nose, and it is VERY obvious. His/their bristles are very prominent. (By the way, mine is only @ an inch and a half.) They are all around the mouth, @ 12 ickle spikes..You would know if it was a BN.. Even me being a Newbie! x

 

[reefdiver]

I'm not sure but I've read that some don't grow bristles, specially females. But dnt take my word for I have 3 at the moment 2 albino 1 regular and none have shown whiskers.

 

[Amicus]

That's good, I was scared that I had bought a common.

 

[HN1]

Females will have none. Some male fish will have none. Without a pic it will be impossible to ID. It's tough to ID a lot of plecos positively because of varied markings and a lack of actual scientific descriptions. Check out www.planetcatfish.com

PlanetCatfish • Cat-eLog • All L-Numbers

Wow!

 

[Amicus]

Will do, thanks.

 

[pantherspawn]

I agree. Generally only the males will grow the bristles and sometimes only a center "plate" on its forehead. But neither will grow much until they reach 3 inches or so and reach sexual maturity. Some develop faster than others but its not unheard of to not see any telltale signs until fullly grown.

 

[karen21]

That is really interesting to know : )

 

[Suckerfishrule]

This is a common pleco