how can u ...

[rasdbo]

tell the difference between 4-5" scarlett pleco and a red fin cactus pleco of the same size?
saw three a lfs for $40 each and two looked like cactus and one was real dark with red fins like a scarlet should have got it or all three anyway but will check back next and see what they have.

 

[davo]

can be hard when young but generally L25s have a brighter red, and the spots are more pronounced. the general shape of them is a bit different and the eyes are in different positions

 

[rasdbo]

how about some pics?

 

[davo]

i just did a quick search around, and if im sure if you searched more thoroughly on different sites youd find more examples. first 2 are L24's and second 2 are L25s. im not sure but one of these plecs may be from a member on here so he may put up some more to help if he sees this. i think the L24's are generally a lighter colour overall, and dont have anywhere near as much read when they are younger. some even say the L24s have a slightly greenish tinge to there main body colour. some people also think they have more of a lyred style tail, but to be honest, i dont think this is particularly definate in any way, they are all different. i think if you saw them together it would be noticeable that one pleco is different from the others, and the colouring and structure should be enough to tell the difference. ive started to warm more towards the L24s unless its a super red L25. some up i think its the main body colour thatll help most. hope this helps

 

[jconley]

I would agree with davo's assesment of the difference in overall body coloration. IMO L-24's DO have a lighter sometimes greenish body color. My cactus has this while my L-25 scarlet's body is a deep rich brown/black. Fin coloration isn't always a good indicator 'cause sometimes you see scarlets with pale fins like a cactus. This is due to region I believe? .... anyway, just my experience.

 

[davo]

yea they change an awful lot due to regions, thats why you cant do it particularly well on amount of red pigmentation or the tail fin shape

 

[andregurov]

Yes, you should have bought them! Which store has these 3 in? That is a dynamite price around here ...

J

 

[rasdbo]

50 fathoms on veterans by clearview, if there still there give them a nice home!! yes one of the three did look more like a scarlett so i wish i would have got it