Pleco ID please.

[pjsmetana]

I got a 9" Pleco from the LFS last week. Working very VERY well with my Oscars I might add. I just do not know what kind it is. Rule #1: When in doubt, ask MFK.

He/She/It has 2 barbs on the mouth side that end at a T shape. It is very heavily armored, and is quite heavy (Yes I picked him/her/it up with my hands). Coloration is Dark Brown with Light Brown Rear Facing Slash / like lines.

 

[matubula]

My first thought was Pterygoplichthys scrophus.

 

[pjsmetana]

My first thought was Pterygoplichthys scrophus.

I thought of that... since it does have the same shape Nose and Dorsal... but the coloration is wrong and the pattern is completely different.

EDIT: actually I think your right.... I didn't check the 'scrophus' type. Darn tootin! Is there a common name for this guy? Like, L something?

 

[pjsmetana]

More searching of Pterygoplichthys scrophus came up with Rhino, Alligator, and Chocolate. Are any of these names right?

 

[pjsmetana]

When google pic searching Alligator and Chocolate Plecos... they arent even close. But, Rhino Pleco was spot on.

Thanks Matubula!

 

[matubula]

All 3 are listed as common names on Planet Catfish but I think Rhino pleco is considered the normal one. But as you've just found out, common names are often inadequate, try sticking with its scientific name.

 

[manlyfish]

man that guy looks real nice

 

[pjsmetana]

man that guy looks real nice

Thanks man. $40 for him seemed like too good to pass up. Plus, I went the my LFS specifically looking for a large armored Pleco.

I just measured him. 8 - 9" inches... way off... hes 14" end to end. I got lucky with this, as this is the 1st time hes come out during the day, and to the front of the tank long enough to measure him. Sooooooo happy with him so far!

 

[Warborg]

Aaah, my favorite pleco.

When google pic searching Alligator and Chocolate Plecos... they arent even close. But, Rhino Pleco was spot on.

Thanks Matubula!

Yes all 3 of this names are used but Rhino is most common. It is a Pterygoplichthys scrophus as mention.

Color variation can happen among fish. I've had nearly 20 of these and most had different shades of color.

This often gets confused with the albino chocolate although I'm not sure why.Outside the nickname the two look nothing alike(red vs. brown).