sting ray plecos

[dizzykylie]

I was at the local Pet-Land and the employee there showed me these really neat Sting-ray plecostamus'. They looked like sting rays but were attached to the glass. I was thinking about getting one since they guy said they don't get over 4". I have tried doing a search on them but have been coming up empty handed. I would like to know if any of you have any info about these fishies. I would like to know as much about them as possible before I purchase one. So do any of you have experience or knowledge about these fish? Thanks for all of your input beforehand. :)

[Lupin]

The stingray plecos you are talking about are hillstream loaches. They fall under loach category, not catfish. They require cooler temperatures and strong currents at most. Please do not purchase one only. Instead, get a group as they do tend to like their company like most other loaches do. Unless you have a proper tank for them, I would suggest you not buy them.

This is a good link to start reading with.:)
http://www.loaches.com/articles/hillstream-loaches-the-specialists-at-life-in-the-fast-lane

[Lupin]

Here are pictures of my hillstream loach.:hearts: :D

[dizzykylie]

Cool thanks Lupin. I was just curious, actually I am still curious as to why they were labled "Plecos" and not "Loaches". I will definitely look at that link that you provided. I strongly doubt that I will get one if they like to be in groups, I really only could house one. They are cute little guys though as are most loaches (I can see you share an enthusiasm for them as well). I used to have a few loaches and I loved them. Thanks again.

[Lupin]

Hi Kylie.

The only thing I can say why they were often labelled as plecos is that they do closely resemble a pleco but are in fact not plecos at all nor are they catfish.:)

HTH

Lupin

[Dwarf Puffers]

Mine seems fine in my 30g, it's unheated but sits in a fairly warm spot, he loves to suck on the coconut huts and the front glass. I'd love to get more, but they're 16.99$ each!! :eek: :eek3: :eek: :eek3: :eek:

Of course, I'll have to get 2-3 more when my 75g is up, no matter the price...

[Martin Thoene]

http://www.loaches.com/species-index/photos/b/beaufortia_kweichowensis_01.jpg

$16.99 each! What species? Beaufortia kweichowensis which is the species most often sold under the erronous name of 'Stingray Plecostomus' (above) ought not to be anymore than about $8.

I just bought 3 Sewellia lineolata for the killer price of CDN$5.99 each.

http://www.loaches.com/species-index/photos/s/sewellia_lineolata_34.JPG

I think once you've read my article you'll realize there's a bit involved in keeping these fish successfully. However, given the correct conditions they thrive in aquaria and some species will even breed.

Hillstream loaches come in under all sorts of weird names. Beaufortia sometimes arrive as "Borneo Suckers", yet they come from China so go figure that one out eh?

Here's a busy little Gastromyzon ocellatus going about his business. They're hardly ever this lively in shop aquaria due to insufficient oxygen levels.

http://youtube.com/watch?v=QRf3zCEbsfg

Martin.

[tjr635]

**** cool looking fish, gonna read up on them some. they do good in a community?

[Lupin]

**** cool looking fish, gonna read up on them some. they do good in a community?
Yes, provided the water is kept clean, cool and very well-oxygenated along with powerful currents.

[Eupterus]

I like these...Gonna look out for them when I go to a shop. Not to buy, just to see them.

[Rbishop]

They are a great fish!

[Martin Thoene]

While I do my most to raise awareness of these fantastic fish please don't get enthusiastic about them unless you are willing to provide the proper tank conditions. Please, please read these articles. The first is relevant to everything you keep in your aquariums:

http://www.loaches.com/articles/oxygen-in-the-aquarium

http://www.loaches.com/articles/hillstream-loaches-the-specialists-at-life-in-the-fast-lane

Martin.