Is my fish a bristlenose or common pleco?

[Flora1993]

Hello everyone,

I'm in need of help... I've recently bought a pleco (I wasn't really aware that there were different kinds) and now that I have done my research (which I should have done before purchasing) I am a bit worried that it might be a common pleco. Would somebody able to tell if he/she is a bristlenose or a common pleco? Thank you in advance ☺

 

[AquaticMan26]

That’s a great question. When they are juveniles, like that one, it’s very hard to tell for sure. I’m leaning towards it being a bristlenose pleco because of the spots and their spacing, but I’ve seen common plecos with a similar look when they are young. It’s gonna be near impossible to tell until it gets a little older and we can see the bristles or not. I’m sorry I can’t be of more help

 

[shellyx]

I'm thinking bristlenose as it looks just like the one I had.

 

[charliebankston]

It's def not a common pleco. Could be a bn, or a gold spot, or one of a half dozen others. There are so many, like you said

 

[Brookster123]

Safe bet it's not a common. Post pics as it grows please

 

[fishingBuds]

In about 3 months u will get your answer