HUGE bristlenosed pleco

[Bigbeef2604]

I bought some fish at the Greater Chicago Cichlid Association's Swap Meet today. One fish I bought was this HUGE bristlenose pleco. I'm guessing he's just over 7" long and very thick. I've never seen one this big and everyone at the swap that I showed it to said "WOW I never knew they got that big!". Is this a hybrid of some sort, or just a freak, or am I grossly misinformed about this species? Here is a picture of it next to my large Green Phantom Pleco that I bought today as well, and also next to my ~3" bristlenosed pleco.
Thanks for any comments you can give.

Regards,
Ryan

 

[kyleking007]

i had one that was about 6". nice looking fish.

 

[AMG]

Nice looking pick up.

 

[Opiate]

awesome BN dude!!

 

[thebase#1]

i love bristlenose they're one of my favourite fish, yours is a beauty

 

[Bogwoodbruce]

Very nice i had one that size too.

 

[Dan F]

That is a big Bristle Nose!

 

[Cichlaholics Anonymous]

great find! my fiancee has a breeding pair of albino bn