How do I determine ID of pleco?

anniejensen

anniejensen

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Feb 23, 2009
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I got a pleco secondhand and I don't think he's a common, but he was probably bought somewhere like walmart or something(I know, I know), not a specialtly fish store. He hides most of the time(which makes me wonder about him actually eating), only coming out occaisionally at night. He's probably 5-6" long and isn't a uniform color. He has sections of light grey, then dark grey alternating. His spots in the darker sections are darker, and lighter spots in the lighter sections. I can't get a good pic of him. Any suggestions on where I can look to ID or do you have a possible ID on him?
 
planetcatfish.com will give you the answer but it will probably take you quite a bit of looking to find it. There are bunches of pictures. If you happen to get a pic of him, we probably could help with id.
 
IDing looks pretty in-depth. I think I will try to get a pic. What number is the common? I suppose I should rule that one out first
 
If it came from Wal-Mart it's a common pleco, they don't sell any other kind. If it's the color/pattern that making you wonder common pleco's will do that, particularly when stressed or on an odd-colored (for them) substrate. I'd look through some of the pics of common pleco's that have been posted here for ID before checking planetcatfish.
Incidentally, Trinidad pleco is another name for the species usually called the common pleco.
 
It doesn't look like that, but is on some light colored sand. Will post pics shortly. Won't be good pics.
 
SU1HMDAzNDcuanBn.jpg


same pic, just sharpened.. dunno if that helps or not
SU1HMDAzNDcuanBn-1.jpg



SU1HMDAzNDYuanBn-1.jpg
 
So, is this guy just a washed-out looking common or what? I'm mostly wondering so I know that I'm caring for him correctly and I would like to know how big he will get so I can plan for a future tank for him.
 
Yes, it's a common pleco trying to blend in with the sand. It would look different on a darker substrate...
 
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