Questions on L122

[aravenschild]

After alot of searching and waiting for the little guy to settle in and resume normal coloration. My best guess (sorry no camera available for pictures) is that I have an L122 spotted orange seam pleco, thats if the photos on Planetcatfish are to be believed. Looks just like the pictures.
I've had it in a quarantine tank up until a few days ago, in the smaller tank (10gal) it was very timid and flighty, now that its been in its new home (100 gal) it cames out more and explores everywhere, even with the lights on.

1)Ok heres the questions, not being able to find anything else out about this guy, I put a piece of driftwood (midnight snack?) in the tank with it and offered it algae wafers and bottom feeder pellets (both Hikari). What exactly do they eat? Or at least your best guess.

2)Its about 2.5 inches long now, can anyone tell me how big it will get? And please tell me I won't have to build a monster tank for it.

Thanks in advance,

aravenschild

 

[aravenschild]

anybody?

 

[davo]

Well if that is what you think it is, then it could also be Hemiancistrus guahiborum (L106), they are very very similar. Either way, they should get around the 6-7 inch mark. Bloodworms would be a great food for them, they are insect larvae eaters. I'd try a vegetable every now and then though, just for some variance if they take it.. They'll probably take the carnivore pellets as well.

 

[aravenschild]

Thanks Davo,
I looked at several pics of both L106 and L122, and I'll admit I'm not an expert, but to me it looks more like an L122 (coloring and body shape)

I fed all my fish a varied diet, including those previously listed , I also feed frozen brine shrimp, flake food, chopped krill, clams, and the occasional slightly smashed pea.

What veggies would you recommend?

Thank you again,
aravenschild

 

[davo]

Well if you can tell by the body shape then that's the best way to tell them apart-colour wise would be harder at that size and if it is a new specimen, it isn't easy, and harder to tell apart the younger ones. Umm if you check the dietry thread sticky, I've posted a big list of suitable foods. Personally I like the potatoes, peas (if you don't mind a snowglobe tank lol) and courgettes always do well. But mainly the meaty foods will do best, stuff like brineshrimp would be great, or like I said, probably won't refuse bloodworms- this would be my choice to fatten him up. A varied diet is always a good thing

 

[lferg]

Would the pleco come to the surface to eat the blood worms? I have freeze dried ones and wouldn't know how to get them to the bottom for him to feed on. I just got what I think is a L008 or L006 (see other thread)

 

[davo]

ummm... freeze dried... I've squeezed them to get the air out underwater and it sinks... but to be honest I use frozen mostly-much better and more suitable.