New to Plecos

  • We are currently upgrading MFK. thanks! -neo
Bud8Fan

Bud8Fan

Fire Eel
MFK Member
Nov 15, 2006
1,351
16
68
Nebraska
I've always just known plecos as poop machines that eventually outgrow your tank.

Wow!!! There are some cool looking plecos to be had.

I was looking thru exoticfinds and had them send me a shipping quote.

I am in the process of setting up a 300 gallon acrylic tank (96L x 24H x 30D)

I think one or two exotic plecos would be cool additions to the tank.

What's the differences between L14, L18, L81 and L177. To a new guy like me they look the same.

I've got my eye on the L114 also.

Any tips, links or suggestions are much appreciated.

Thanks!
 
Well L014 is Scobinancistrus aureatus, whereas the other 3 are Baryancistrus. IMO they also look completely different, and get bigger. Personally prefer these to the other 3.

The L081 and L177 are both undescribed Baryancistrus sp. The L081 has smaller spots and the L177 have larger spots, other than that, very similar looking. The L177 is said to appear a more vibrant yellow also.
L018 (also referred to as an L085) is an undescribed Baryancistrus also, that get's bigger than the previous two and has "medium" sized spots-somewhere between the two. These 3 plecos are refered to as "gold nuggets" and are from different locales.
Here is a link that explains it all pretty well - http://www.planetcatfish.com/cotm/cotm.php?article_id=93
Unfortunately gold nuggets don't fair as well as most other plecos do in captivity, they do not grow much once in captivity, regardless of their size and are harder to replicate their dietry requirements. Many are also small specimens that are malnurished and don't make it past the first month or two.

These are a few reasons why I'd take the completely different L014 over any of them. http://www.planetcatfish.com/cotm/cotm.php?article_id=103
 
Depending on the type of L014, you could end up with something similar looking to a gold nugget, or something completely different. The red finned L014 are the best looking IMO.
 
Thanks for the info!
Unfortunately gold nuggets don't fair as well as most other plecos do in captivity, they do not grow much once in captivity, regardless of their size and are harder to replicate their dietry requirements. Many are also small specimens that are malnurished and don't make it past the first month or two.
Click to expand...

That sucks. I really don't want something I have to babysit 24/7. Looking for good eaters in the 8" to 12" range and cool looking.

What is your Avatar davo? That is sweet!
 
If you don't mind growing out, L200s, L024, L025, L114 and L014 are all good choices. Any of the royals also would be good, but you will need wood.
 
woodchomper;1458125;1458125 said:
I wouldn't put a Panaque in an acrylic tank though.
Click to expand...
I've done it before, with few problems. As long as they are fed properly, and have proper hiding spots, they rarely go to the front pane of glass.
 
In my avatar are L260s however are smaller than you are after, as are other similars in their genus. But the plecs wyldfya pointed out will be pretty good choices, but most of them exceed 12" just in case you didn't know.
 
Thanks for the replies!!

L114 looks great and is now on my wish list.

Is the L014 the same as an L14? And would this be an easier fish to maintain than the Gold Nuggets?
 
L014 and L14 are the same. Gold nuggets tend to be harder to acclimate to tank life. The L014 do a good job living in aquariums, and look better IMO.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
MonsterFishKeepers.com
Top Bottom