Actually prefer the planteds because they do improve water quality while also being aesthetically pleasing. Problem is, most monster fish keepers tend to keep substrate diggers, plant eaters, or Decor Rearrangers in most of their fish mixes.
Marulioides looks great, though I am surprised that its WC. Looks like a CB breeding experiment/result.
I've no idea of the origin, I'm told its a WC, but since you've mention its the first time I've seen a short body maru