Need help identifying this Pleco

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Crimsoncav

Registered Member
May 23, 2021
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Hello first post here, I have had this pleco since 2018. I have a couple ideas on what it could be but nor sure. Was seeing folks here might help identify it.

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fishorama

AC Members
Jun 28, 2006
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SF Bay area, CA
Welcome to AC!

To me it looks like a P. gibbiceps, sailfin pleco. I'm not sure, but in your first 2 pics it looks a bit skinny...judging by your anubias it seems small too. After more than 2 years it should have grown quite a lot, they (if I'm IDing it right) will grow to 18+ inches eventually...

What size is your tank tank? What & how much are you feeding? How often? What about water changes? How much & how often?

Plecos are cool fish but many get BIG sooner or later. They need enough foods, not just algae, veggies, or leftovers.

Please tell us more!
 

Crimsoncav

Registered Member
May 23, 2021
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It's a 20 gallon right now. I am already looking for a large tank. I feed everyday fuval insect pellets and api wafers. Water changes every week for 25%. I also have 2 filters that rate up to about 50 gph. It's my wife's favorite fish, in the whole tank.
 

fishorama

AC Members
Jun 28, 2006
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Oh dear! If I'm right on the ID you need a larger tank ASAP. I take it the pleco was very small when you got it...Get at least a 4 foot tank...& plan to upgrade in 2-3 years at most...I'm sorry to be so bossy but a favorite fish deserves better care. I wish lfs didn't sell these cool fish that will outgrow most "regular folk's" tanks. Please don't feel I'm picking on you, we all learn this sad way sometimes..We all do the best we can.

If you really can't plan for such a BIG fish in the near future you should think about rehoming it soon & get a similarly cute bristle nose ancistrus pleco. Too big for your 20g, but at ~4 inches much easier to house...in most medium-biggish tanks (40+ gal). Time for a plan!
 

NoodleCats

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Feb 26, 2020
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Looks to be a goldspot common pleco, will reach 12" potentially if not stunted (which it likely is at this point in the tank size he is in).
I agree will need a tank upgrade, look for a tank 48" long x18" wide+, ideally larger.


 

Warrior-Lady

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Jul 3, 2021
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Looks to be a goldspot common pleco, will reach 12" potentially if not stunted (which it likely is at this point in the tank size he is in).
I agree will need a tank upgrade, look for a tank 48" long x18" wide+, ideally larger.


One of these needs a 75 gallon tank alone to grow to it's full protential and your right concerning the 12"
 
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