pleco species?

doraslilhitman

does anyone have a sure way to distinguish pleco species? I know my two plecos are pterygoplichthys (sailfin) species but not exactly what.

do breeders actually take the care to breed plecos based on species? if they are so hard to distinguish it seems like there would b a high chance of hybrids popping up in pet stores.

Lupin

Do you have pics? Finnage shape, color patterns and head shape are among the few factors to consider when distinguishing the species.

doraslilhitman

ill try they dont hold still very long and they dash away to cover whenever i get close

doraslilhitman

is there any rules for ID you can state so I can take a look for myself?

Lupin

Hmmm...I am thinking of two species of Pterygoplichthys that are definitely well known for their enlarged dorsal fins you may possibly have. Pterygoplichthys gibbiceps and Pterygoplichthys joselimaianus. Gibbiceps have a more well defined set of spot patterns...this way is easier..just compare the internet pics between both to notice the difference between their spot patterns.

doraslilhitman

definitely not joselimaianus cuz its dark with gold spots. both mine are kinda all black with a bit of brown. the larger one is starting to look more like a gibbiceps cuz of dorsal brown V patterns...i guess they need to get bigger before i can tell anything.