A friend of mine and I was talking about cichlids in general terms and we both heard a term, designating a certain species. It's known as the "L-number" designation (e.g. L-46 zebra plecos). Will someone PLEASE explain what this "L-number" designation is all about? I have not a clue.
Terminology/Designation Inquiry
- Thread starter David K. Bradley
- Start date
It's simply a cataloging method.
The L-number system is a semi-scientific classification system of catfish based on photographs of shipments of tropical catfish of the family Loricaridae published by the aquarium magazine DATZ (Die Aquarien und Terrarienzeitschrift).
An L-number is not an official scientific name, but it does allow people to identify various Loricariid catfish by a "common name" before the fish is actually officially described. When a Loricariid receives an official scientific name, the L-number is retired.
In general a specific L-number classification does not guarantee a discrete species—multiple L numbers have been given to different populations of the same species. To add to the confusion, sometimes a single L-number may actually be used for multiple species.
Additionally the aquarium magazine 'Das Aquarium' introduced a similar system using the prefix 'LDA'.
The L-number system is a semi-scientific classification system of catfish based on photographs of shipments of tropical catfish of the family Loricaridae published by the aquarium magazine DATZ (Die Aquarien und Terrarienzeitschrift).
An L-number is not an official scientific name, but it does allow people to identify various Loricariid catfish by a "common name" before the fish is actually officially described. When a Loricariid receives an official scientific name, the L-number is retired.
In general a specific L-number classification does not guarantee a discrete species—multiple L numbers have been given to different populations of the same species. To add to the confusion, sometimes a single L-number may actually be used for multiple species.
Additionally the aquarium magazine 'Das Aquarium' introduced a similar system using the prefix 'LDA'.
L-number
Alternative L- or LDA-numbers
Scientific name
Common name(s)
L001
L022 alt
Pterygoplichthys joselimaianus
L002
L074 alt
Panaque sp.
Tiger peckoltia
L003
Baryancistrus sp.
Kieser pleco
L004
L005, L028, L073 alt
Hypancistrus sp.
Angelicus pleco
L005
L004, L028, L073 alt
Hypancistrus sp.
Angelicus pleco
L006
Hemiancistrus oligospilus
Brown Dot Peckoltia
L007
Leporacanthicus cf. galaxias
Galaxy pleco, Tusken pleco, Vampire pleco
L008
Peckoltia sp.
Leopard Peckoltia
L009
Peckoltia sp.
Smoky Peckoltia
L010
Loricaria lata
L010a
Rineloricaria sp.
Red Lizard Catfish, Red Whiptail Catfish
L011
L035, L108, L116 alt
Hypostomus cf. emarginata
Thresher pleco, Red fin thresher pleco
L012
Peckoltia sp.
L013
Peckoltia sp.
L014
Scobinancistrus aureatus
Goldie Pleco, Sunshine Pleco
L015
Peckoltia vittata
Candy stripe pleco
L016
Ancistrini sp.
L017
Hopliancistrus sp.
L018
L085 alt
Baryancistrus sp.
Gold nugget pleco
L019
Oligancistrus sp.
L020
Spectracanthicus sp.
L021
L023 alt
Pterygoplichthys pardalis
Common pleco
L022
L001 alt
Pterygoplichthys joselimaianus
L023
L021 alt
Pterygoplichthys pardalis
Common pleco
L024
Pseudacanthicus sp.
Flame pleco, Red fin cactus pleco
L025
Pseudacanthicus sp.
Scarlet pleco
L026
Baryancistrus niveatus
L027a
L330 alt
Panaque sp. cf.nigrolineatus
Watermelon pleco
L027b
Panaque sp. cf. nigrolineatus
Olive royal pleco, Teles Pires royal pleco
L027 Tapajos
L027 alt
Panaque sp. cf. nigrolineatus
Tapajos royal pleco, Golden line royal pleco
L027 Tocantins
L027, L027c alt
'Panaque sp. cf. nigrolineatus
Tocantins royal pleco, Platinum royal pleco
L027 Xingu
L027, L027c alt
Panaque sp. cf. nigrolineatus
Xingu royal pleco, Longnosed royal pleco
L028
L004, L005, L073 alt
Hypancistrus sp.
Angelicus pleco
L029
Leporacanthicus galaxias
Galaxy pleco, Tusken pleco, Vampire pleco
L030
Oligancistrus sp.
L031
L176, L300, LDA04 alt
Parancistrus nudiventris
Peppermint pleco
L032
Ancistrus sp.
L033
Lasiancistrus sp.
L034
Ancistrus ranunculus
Medusa pleco
L035
L011, L108, L116 alt
Hypostomus cf. emarginata
Thresher pleco, Red fin thresher pleco
L036
Hemiancistrus spilomma
L037a
Hypostomus faveolus
L037
Hypostomus sp.
L038
Peckoltia sp.
L039
Pseudancistrus niger
L040
Harttia surinamensis
L041
Pseudancistrus brevispinis
L042
Rineloricaria cf. platyura
Pearlscale whiptail
L043
Ancistrus sp.
L044
Lithoux planquettei
L045
Ancistrus sp.
L046
L098, L173 alt
Hypancistrus zebra
Zebra pleco
L047
Baryancistrus sp.
Magnum pleco, Mango pleco
L048
'Scobinancistrus cf. pariolispos
L049
Peckoltia sp.
L050
Hypostomus cf. cochliodon
Spotted Cochliodon, Spotted Humpbacked Pleco
L051
L281 alt
Hypostomus latifrons
L052
Dekeyseria' sp.
Butterfly pleco, Flounder pleco
L053
Harttia sp.
L054
Hypostomus sp.
L055
Peckoltia sp.
L056
Pseudancstrus sp.
L057
Baryancistrus sp.
L059
Ancistrus sp.
L060
Hypostomus cf. nematopterus
L061
Peckoltia sp.
L063
Pseudacanthicus sp. cf. serratus
L064
Pseudacanthicus sp.
L065
Pseudacanthicus sp.
Blizzard Cactus Pleco, Mustang Cactus Pleco
L066
Hypancistrus sp.
King tiger pleco, Scribbled pleco, Network pleco
L067
Pseudancistrus sp.
L068
Ancistrini sp.
L069
Ancistrini sp.
L070
Hypancistrus sp.
Zombie pleco
L071
L181, L249 alt
Ancistrus sp.
L072
Peckoltia sp.
L073
L004, L005, L028 alt
Hypancistrus sp.
Angelicus pleco
L074
L002 alt
Panaque sp.
Tiger peckoltia
L075
L124, L301, LDA02 alt
Hemiancistrus sabaji
Para Pleco
L076
Peckoltia sp.
Orange seam pleco
L077
Hypostomus sp.
Bruno pleco, Rusty pleco, Violet pleco
L078
Hypostomus sp.
L079
Pseudacanthicus sp.
L080
Peckoltia sp.
L081
Baryancistrus sp.
Gold nugget pleco
L082
Ancistrini sp.
Opal spot pleco, Polka-dot cigar pleco
L083
L165 alt
Pterygoplichthys gibbiceps
Sailfin pleco
L084
Baryancistrus sp.
L085
L018
Baryancistrus sp.
Gold nugget pleco
L086
LDA14
Oligancistrus sp.
L087
Hypostomus sp.
L088
Ancistrus sp.
L089
Ancistrus sp.
L090
Panaque sp.
Papa Panaque
L091
Leporacanthicus triactis
Three beacon pleco
L092
L194
Lasiancistrus tentaculatus
Woodeating Lasiancistrus
L093
L153, L195
Hypostomus villarsi
Blue fin thresher pleco
L094
L123
Hypostomus ammophilus
L095
Pseudorinelepis ginebarbis
L096
L160
Pseudacanthicus spinosus
Coffee & cream pleco, Spiny monster pleco
L097
Pseudacanthicus sp.
Polka dot cactus pleco
L098
L046, L173
Hypancistrus zebra
Zebra pleco
L099
Peckoltia sp.
L100
LDA75
Ancistrus sp.
L101
Hypostomus sp.
L102
Hypancistrus inspector
Snowball pleco
L103
Peckoltia sp.
L104
L162, LDA22
Panaque maccus
Clown Pleco
L105
Panaque sp.
L106
Hemiancistrus guahiborum
Spotted orange seam pleco
L107
L184
Ancistrus sp.
Brilliant bristlenose pleco
L108
L011, L035, L116
Hypostomus cf. emarginata
Thresher pleco, Red fin thresher pleco
L109
Hypostomus cf. unicolor
L110
L157
Ancistrus sp.
Red spot bristlenose
L111
Ancistrus sp.
L112
Hypostomus sp.
L113
L234
Megalancistrus parananus
L114
LDA07
Pseudacanthicus leopardus
Leopard cactus pleco
L115
L248
Baryancistrus sp.
Mega Snowball pleco
L116
L011, L035, L108
Hypostomus cf. emarginata
Thresher pleco, Red fin thresher pleco
L117
Hypostomus sp.
L118
Hypostomus sp.
L119
Hypostomus sp.
L120
Ancistrus sp.
Black fin bristlenose
L121
L135, L305
Peckoltia braueri
Worm line peckoltia
L122
Pseudancistrus sp.
Spotted orange seam pleco
L123
L094
Hypostomus ammophilus
L124
L075, L301, LDA02
Hemiancistrus sabaji
Para Pleco
L125
L150
Ancistrus sp.
L126
Pseudancistrus orinoco
L127
L207
Ancistrini sp.
L128
Hemiancistrus sp.
Blue phantom pleco
L129
Hypancistrus debilittera
Colombian zebra pleco
L130
Hypostomus sp.
L131
Hypostomus sp.
L132
Hypostomus sp.
L133
Scobinancistrus sp.
L134
Peckoltia sp.
Leopard frog pleco
L135
L121, L305
Peckoltia braueri
Worm line peckoltia
L136
L136a, L136b, LDA05, LDA06
Hypancistrus sp.
L137
Hypostomus soniae
Blue eyed red fin pleco
L138
Hypostomus sp.
L139
Hypostomus sp.
L140
LDA61, LDA62
Peckoltia sp.
L141
L215
Peckoltia snethlageae
L142
LDA33
Baryancistrus sp.
Big White Spot Pleco
L143
Lasiancistrus sp.
L144
Ancistrus sp.
Black eyed yellow bristlenose
L145
Hypostomus sp.
L146
L232, LDA30
Peckoltia ucayalensis
Bola pleco
L147
Peckoltia sp.
L148
Ancistrus sp.
L149
Ancistrus sp.
L150
L125
Ancistrus sp.
L151
L216
Dekeyseria scaphirhyncha
Flat head pleco
L152
Pseudorinelepis sp.
Pineapple pleco
L153
L093, L195
Hypostomus villarsi
Blue fin thresher pleco
L154
Pterygoplichthys sp.
L155
Acanthicus hystrix
Lyretail pleco
L156
Ancistrus sp.
L157
L110
Ancistrus sp.
Red spot bristlenose
L158
Hypancistrus sp.
L159
Ancistrus sp.
L160
L096
Pseudacanthicus spinosus
Coffee & cream pleco, Spiny monster pleco
L161
Hypostomus faveolus
L162
L104, LDA22
Panaque maccus
Clown Pleco
L163
Peckoltia sp.
Big spot peckoltia
L164
Pterygoplichthys sp.
L165
L083
Pterygoplichthys gibbiceps
Sailfin pleco
L166
Hypostomus sp.
L167
Hypostomus sp.
L168
Dekeyseria brachyura
Butterfly pleco, Flounder pleco
L169
LDA01
Panaque sp.
Gold Stripe Panaque
L170
Peckoltia sp.
L171
LDA15
Hopliancistrus sp.
L172
LDA33
Baryancistrus sp.
Big whitespot pleco
L173
L046, L098
Hypancistrus zebra
Zebra pleco
L174
Hypancistrus sp.
L175
Oligancistrus sp.
L176
Parancistrus nudiventris
Peppermint pleco
L177
Baryancistrus sp.
Iriri gold nugget pleco
L178
Lasiancistrus sp.
Red fin Lasiancistrus
L179
Pseudacanthicus sp.
L180
Ancistrus sp.
L181
L071, L249
Ancistrus sp.
L182
Ancistrus hoplogenys
Starlight bristlenose pleco
L183
Ancistrus dolichopterus
Starlight bristlenose catfish
L184
L107
Ancistrus sp.
Brillian bristlenose pleco
L185
Pseudacanthicus sp.
L186
Pseudacanthicus sp.
L190
Panaque nigrolineatus
Royal pleco
L191
Panaque sp.
Dull Eyed Royal pleco
L192
Hypostomus sp.
L193
Acanthicus sp.
L194
L092
Lasiancistrus tentaculatus
Woodeating Lasiancistrus
L195
L093, L153
Hypostomus villarsi
Blue fin thresher pleco
L196
Pterygoplichthys literatus
L197
Ancistrini sp.
L198
Ancistrini sp.
L199
Hypancistrus furunculus
L200
Baryancistrus demantoides
L200
Hemiancistrus subviridis
Green pleco, Lemon spotted green pleco
L201
Hypancistrus contradens
L202
Peckoltia sp.
L203
LDA65
Panaque sp.
Titanic pleco, Volkswagen pleco
L204
Panaque sp.
Flash pleco
L205
Peckoltia sp.
L206
Panaque sp.
L207
L127
Ancistrini sp.
L208
Ancistrini sp.
L209
Peckoltia sp.
L210
Ancistrini sp.
L211
L295
Peckoltia sp.
L212
Hopliancistrus tricornis
L213
Ancistrus sp.
L214
Peckoltia sp.
L215
L141
Peckoltia snethlageae
L216
L151
Dekeyseria scaphirhyncha
Flat head pleco
L218
L247
Peckoltia sp.
L219
Baryancistrus sp.
L220
Pseudancistrus sp.
L221
L223
Pseudancistrus sp.
L222
Hypostomus sp.
L223
L221
Pseudancistrus sp.
L224
Hypostomus sp.
L226
LDA26
Panaque changae
Iquitos tiger pleco
L227
Hypostomus sp.
L228
Lasiancistrus sp.
L229
Hypostomus sp.
L232
L146, LDA30
Peckoltia ucayalensis
Bola pleco
L233
LDA09
Hypostomus sp.
L234
L113
Megalancistrus parananus
L235
Pseudolithoxus anthrax
Flyer cat
L236
Hypancistrus sp.
L237
Ancistrus sp.
L238
LDA40
Delturus sp.
Brook pleco
L239
Ancistrini sp.
Blue Panaque
L240
Leporacanthicus cf. galaxias
L241
Leporacanthicus cf. galaxias
L242
Hypostomus sp.
L243
Peckoltia sp.
L244
Pseudolithoxus dumus
L245
Hypostomus sp.
L246
Hypostomus sp.
L247
L218
Peckoltia sp.
L249
L071, L181
Ancistrus sp.
L250
Hypancistrus sp.
L251
Pseudancistrus sp.
L252
Ancistrini sp.
L253
Scobinancistrus sp.
L254
Spectracanthicus sp.
L255
Ancistrus sp.
Spotted medusa pleco
L256
Lithoxus sp.
L257
Pseudolithoxus tigris
L258
Parancistrus sp.
L259
LDA32
Pseudancistrus sp.
L260
Hypancistrus sp.
Queen Arabesque pleco
L261
Ancistrini sp.
L262
Hypancistrus sp.
L263
Leporacanthicus sp.
L264
Leporacanthicus joselimai
Sultan pleco
L265
Peckoltia sp.
L266
Hypostomus sp.
L267
Ancistrus sp.
L268
Ancistrini sp.
L269
Ancistrini sp.
L270
L307, LDA76
Hypancistrus sp.
Chocolate zebra pleco, Tapajos zebra pleco
L271
Panaque sp.
L272
Panaque sp.
L273
Pseudacanthicus sp.
Titanicus pleco
L274
Baryancistrus sp.
L275
Pseudacanthicus sp.
L278
Peckoltia sp.
L279
LDA58
Ancistrus sp.
L280
Ancistrini sp.
L281
L051
Hypostomus latifrons
L282
Pseudacanthicus sp.
King galaxy cactus pleco
L283
Pseudacanthicus sp.
L284
Hypostomus sp.
L285
Hypostomus sp.
L286
Hypostomus sp.
L287
Hypancistrus sp.
L288
Peckoltia sp.
L289
Ancistrus sp.
L290
L291
Hypostomus cf. horrida
L291
L290
Hypostomus cf. horrida
L292
Ancistrus sp.
L293
Ancistrus sp.
L294
Leporacanthicus cf. galaxias
L295
L211
Peckoltia sp.
L296
Panaque sp.
L297
Hypancistrus sp.
L298
Hypostomus sp.
L299
Pseudancistrus sp.
L300
Parancistrus nudiventris
Peppermint pleco
L301
L075, L124, LDA02
Hemiancistrus sabaji
Para Pleco
L302
Lasiancistrus sp.
L303
Hypostomus macushi
L304
Ancistrus sp.
L305
L121, L135
Peckoltia braueri
Worm line peckoltia
L306
LDA64
Panaque sp.
L307
L270, LDA76
Hypancistrus sp.
Chocolate zebra pleco, Tapajos zebra pleco
L308
Hypostomus sp.
L309
Ancistrus sp.
L310
LDA51
Hypostomus cochliodon
L311
Hypostomus sp.
L312
LDA71
Lasiancistrus cf. caucanus
L313
Pterygoplichthys sp.
L314
LDA56
Leporacanthicus sp.
Sultan pleco
L315
Spectracanthicus sp.
L316
Hypancistrus sp.
Jari zebra pleco
L318
Hypancistrus sp.
L319
Baryancistrus sp.
L320
Pseudacanthicus sp.
L321
Pseudancistrus sp.
L322
Lasiancistrus saetiger
L323
Baryancistrus sp.
L324
Baryancistrus sp.
L325
Ancistrus sp.
L326
Leporacanthicus sp.
L327
Ancistrus sp.
L328
Pseudolithoxus sp.
L329
LDA27, LDA28
Panaque sp.
Panaque Peru Orange Lyretail
L330
L027a
Panaque sp. cf. nigrolineatus
Watermelon pleco
L331
Hypostomus sp.
L332
Parancistrus sp.
L333
Hypancistrus sp.
L337
Lasiancistrus sp.
L338
LDA16
Ancistrus sp.
L339
Hypancistrus lunaorum
L340
Hypancistrus sp.
Mega clown pleco
L341
Panaque sp.
L342
Hypostomus sp.
L343
Pseudacanthicus sp.
L344
Ancistrus sp.
L345
Hypancistrus sp.
L346
Hypostomus sp.
L347
Pterygoplichthys sp.
L349
LDA45
Ancistrus sp.
L350
Ancistrini sp.
Coal pleco, Peruvian lyre-tail
L351
Panaque sp.
L352
Ancistrus sp.
L353
Oligancistrus sp.
L354
Oligancistrus sp.
L355
Ancistrus sp.
L356
Hypostomus sp.
L357
Ancistrus sp.
L358
Peckoltia sp.
L359
Ancistrus sp.
L360
Hypostomus sp.
L361
Hopliancistrus sp.
L362
Scobinancistrus' sp.
L363
Oligancistrus sp.
L364
Baryancistrus sp.
L365
Lasiancistrus sp.
L366
Hypostomus sp.
L367
Hypostomus sp.
L368
Scobinancistrus sp.
L369
Ancistrus sp.
L370
Ancistrus sp.
L373
Oligancistrus sp.
L374
Panaque sp.
L375
Pseudacanthicus cf. spinosus
L376
Hypostominae sp.
L377
Peckoltia sp.
L378
Ancistrus sp.
L379
Hypostomus sp.
L380
Pseudacanthicus sp.
L381
Hypostomus sp.
L382
Peckoltia sp.
L383
Pseudancistrus sp.
L384
Baryancistrus sp.
L385
Pseudolithoxus sp.
L386
Lasiancistrus sp.
L387
Peckoltia sp.
L388
Hypostomus sp.
L389
Hypostomus sp.
L390
Hypostomus sp.
L391
Oligancistrus sp.
L392
Ancistrus sp.
L393
Ancistrus sp.
L394
Hypostomus sp.
L395
Panaque sp.
L396
Ancistrus sp.
L397
Panaque sp.
L398
Panaque sp.
L399
Hypancistrus sp.
L400
Hypancistrus sp.
L401
Hypancistrus sp.
L403
Panaque sp.
L404
Hypancistrus sp.
L405
Peckoltia sp.
L406
Pseudacanthicus sp.
L407
Acanthicus sp.
L408
Chaetostoma sp.
L409
Chaetostoma sp.
L410
Hypancistrus sp.
L411
Hypancistrus sp.
L412
Chaetostoma sp.
L413
Chaetostoma sp.
L414
Chaetostoma sp.
L415
Chaetostoma sp.
L416
Chaetostoma sp.
L417
Oligancistrus sp.
L418
Panaque sp.
L419
Hypostomus sp.
L420
Pseudacanthicus sp.
L421
Ancistrus sp.
L422
Hopliancistrus sp.
L423
Ancistrus sp.
L424
Hemiancistrus sp.
L425
Panaque sp.
L426
Panaque sp.
L427
Lithoxus sp.
L600
LDA73
Pseudacanthicus leopardus
Alternative L- or LDA-numbers
Scientific name
Common name(s)
L001
L022 alt
Pterygoplichthys joselimaianus
L002
L074 alt
Panaque sp.
Tiger peckoltia
L003
Baryancistrus sp.
Kieser pleco
L004
L005, L028, L073 alt
Hypancistrus sp.
Angelicus pleco
L005
L004, L028, L073 alt
Hypancistrus sp.
Angelicus pleco
L006
Hemiancistrus oligospilus
Brown Dot Peckoltia
L007
Leporacanthicus cf. galaxias
Galaxy pleco, Tusken pleco, Vampire pleco
L008
Peckoltia sp.
Leopard Peckoltia
L009
Peckoltia sp.
Smoky Peckoltia
L010
Loricaria lata
L010a
Rineloricaria sp.
Red Lizard Catfish, Red Whiptail Catfish
L011
L035, L108, L116 alt
Hypostomus cf. emarginata
Thresher pleco, Red fin thresher pleco
L012
Peckoltia sp.
L013
Peckoltia sp.
L014
Scobinancistrus aureatus
Goldie Pleco, Sunshine Pleco
L015
Peckoltia vittata
Candy stripe pleco
L016
Ancistrini sp.
L017
Hopliancistrus sp.
L018
L085 alt
Baryancistrus sp.
Gold nugget pleco
L019
Oligancistrus sp.
L020
Spectracanthicus sp.
L021
L023 alt
Pterygoplichthys pardalis
Common pleco
L022
L001 alt
Pterygoplichthys joselimaianus
L023
L021 alt
Pterygoplichthys pardalis
Common pleco
L024
Pseudacanthicus sp.
Flame pleco, Red fin cactus pleco
L025
Pseudacanthicus sp.
Scarlet pleco
L026
Baryancistrus niveatus
L027a
L330 alt
Panaque sp. cf.nigrolineatus
Watermelon pleco
L027b
Panaque sp. cf. nigrolineatus
Olive royal pleco, Teles Pires royal pleco
L027 Tapajos
L027 alt
Panaque sp. cf. nigrolineatus
Tapajos royal pleco, Golden line royal pleco
L027 Tocantins
L027, L027c alt
'Panaque sp. cf. nigrolineatus
Tocantins royal pleco, Platinum royal pleco
L027 Xingu
L027, L027c alt
Panaque sp. cf. nigrolineatus
Xingu royal pleco, Longnosed royal pleco
L028
L004, L005, L073 alt
Hypancistrus sp.
Angelicus pleco
L029
Leporacanthicus galaxias
Galaxy pleco, Tusken pleco, Vampire pleco
L030
Oligancistrus sp.
L031
L176, L300, LDA04 alt
Parancistrus nudiventris
Peppermint pleco
L032
Ancistrus sp.
L033
Lasiancistrus sp.
L034
Ancistrus ranunculus
Medusa pleco
L035
L011, L108, L116 alt
Hypostomus cf. emarginata
Thresher pleco, Red fin thresher pleco
L036
Hemiancistrus spilomma
L037a
Hypostomus faveolus
L037
Hypostomus sp.
L038
Peckoltia sp.
L039
Pseudancistrus niger
L040
Harttia surinamensis
L041
Pseudancistrus brevispinis
L042
Rineloricaria cf. platyura
Pearlscale whiptail
L043
Ancistrus sp.
L044
Lithoux planquettei
L045
Ancistrus sp.
L046
L098, L173 alt
Hypancistrus zebra
Zebra pleco
L047
Baryancistrus sp.
Magnum pleco, Mango pleco
L048
'Scobinancistrus cf. pariolispos
L049
Peckoltia sp.
L050
Hypostomus cf. cochliodon
Spotted Cochliodon, Spotted Humpbacked Pleco
L051
L281 alt
Hypostomus latifrons
L052
Dekeyseria' sp.
Butterfly pleco, Flounder pleco
L053
Harttia sp.
L054
Hypostomus sp.
L055
Peckoltia sp.
L056
Pseudancstrus sp.
L057
Baryancistrus sp.
L059
Ancistrus sp.
L060
Hypostomus cf. nematopterus
L061
Peckoltia sp.
L063
Pseudacanthicus sp. cf. serratus
L064
Pseudacanthicus sp.
L065
Pseudacanthicus sp.
Blizzard Cactus Pleco, Mustang Cactus Pleco
L066
Hypancistrus sp.
King tiger pleco, Scribbled pleco, Network pleco
L067
Pseudancistrus sp.
L068
Ancistrini sp.
L069
Ancistrini sp.
L070
Hypancistrus sp.
Zombie pleco
L071
L181, L249 alt
Ancistrus sp.
L072
Peckoltia sp.
L073
L004, L005, L028 alt
Hypancistrus sp.
Angelicus pleco
L074
L002 alt
Panaque sp.
Tiger peckoltia
L075
L124, L301, LDA02 alt
Hemiancistrus sabaji
Para Pleco
L076
Peckoltia sp.
Orange seam pleco
L077
Hypostomus sp.
Bruno pleco, Rusty pleco, Violet pleco
L078
Hypostomus sp.
L079
Pseudacanthicus sp.
L080
Peckoltia sp.
L081
Baryancistrus sp.
Gold nugget pleco
L082
Ancistrini sp.
Opal spot pleco, Polka-dot cigar pleco
L083
L165 alt
Pterygoplichthys gibbiceps
Sailfin pleco
L084
Baryancistrus sp.
L085
L018
Baryancistrus sp.
Gold nugget pleco
L086
LDA14
Oligancistrus sp.
L087
Hypostomus sp.
L088
Ancistrus sp.
L089
Ancistrus sp.
L090
Panaque sp.
Papa Panaque
L091
Leporacanthicus triactis
Three beacon pleco
L092
L194
Lasiancistrus tentaculatus
Woodeating Lasiancistrus
L093
L153, L195
Hypostomus villarsi
Blue fin thresher pleco
L094
L123
Hypostomus ammophilus
L095
Pseudorinelepis ginebarbis
L096
L160
Pseudacanthicus spinosus
Coffee & cream pleco, Spiny monster pleco
L097
Pseudacanthicus sp.
Polka dot cactus pleco
L098
L046, L173
Hypancistrus zebra
Zebra pleco
L099
Peckoltia sp.
L100
LDA75
Ancistrus sp.
L101
Hypostomus sp.
L102
Hypancistrus inspector
Snowball pleco
L103
Peckoltia sp.
L104
L162, LDA22
Panaque maccus
Clown Pleco
L105
Panaque sp.
L106
Hemiancistrus guahiborum
Spotted orange seam pleco
L107
L184
Ancistrus sp.
Brilliant bristlenose pleco
L108
L011, L035, L116
Hypostomus cf. emarginata
Thresher pleco, Red fin thresher pleco
L109
Hypostomus cf. unicolor
L110
L157
Ancistrus sp.
Red spot bristlenose
L111
Ancistrus sp.
L112
Hypostomus sp.
L113
L234
Megalancistrus parananus
L114
LDA07
Pseudacanthicus leopardus
Leopard cactus pleco
L115
L248
Baryancistrus sp.
Mega Snowball pleco
L116
L011, L035, L108
Hypostomus cf. emarginata
Thresher pleco, Red fin thresher pleco
L117
Hypostomus sp.
L118
Hypostomus sp.
L119
Hypostomus sp.
L120
Ancistrus sp.
Black fin bristlenose
L121
L135, L305
Peckoltia braueri
Worm line peckoltia
L122
Pseudancistrus sp.
Spotted orange seam pleco
L123
L094
Hypostomus ammophilus
L124
L075, L301, LDA02
Hemiancistrus sabaji
Para Pleco
L125
L150
Ancistrus sp.
L126
Pseudancistrus orinoco
L127
L207
Ancistrini sp.
L128
Hemiancistrus sp.
Blue phantom pleco
L129
Hypancistrus debilittera
Colombian zebra pleco
L130
Hypostomus sp.
L131
Hypostomus sp.
L132
Hypostomus sp.
L133
Scobinancistrus sp.
L134
Peckoltia sp.
Leopard frog pleco
L135
L121, L305
Peckoltia braueri
Worm line peckoltia
L136
L136a, L136b, LDA05, LDA06
Hypancistrus sp.
L137
Hypostomus soniae
Blue eyed red fin pleco
L138
Hypostomus sp.
L139
Hypostomus sp.
L140
LDA61, LDA62
Peckoltia sp.
L141
L215
Peckoltia snethlageae
L142
LDA33
Baryancistrus sp.
Big White Spot Pleco
L143
Lasiancistrus sp.
L144
Ancistrus sp.
Black eyed yellow bristlenose
L145
Hypostomus sp.
L146
L232, LDA30
Peckoltia ucayalensis
Bola pleco
L147
Peckoltia sp.
L148
Ancistrus sp.
L149
Ancistrus sp.
L150
L125
Ancistrus sp.
L151
L216
Dekeyseria scaphirhyncha
Flat head pleco
L152
Pseudorinelepis sp.
Pineapple pleco
L153
L093, L195
Hypostomus villarsi
Blue fin thresher pleco
L154
Pterygoplichthys sp.
L155
Acanthicus hystrix
Lyretail pleco
L156
Ancistrus sp.
L157
L110
Ancistrus sp.
Red spot bristlenose
L158
Hypancistrus sp.
L159
Ancistrus sp.
L160
L096
Pseudacanthicus spinosus
Coffee & cream pleco, Spiny monster pleco
L161
Hypostomus faveolus
L162
L104, LDA22
Panaque maccus
Clown Pleco
L163
Peckoltia sp.
Big spot peckoltia
L164
Pterygoplichthys sp.
L165
L083
Pterygoplichthys gibbiceps
Sailfin pleco
L166
Hypostomus sp.
L167
Hypostomus sp.
L168
Dekeyseria brachyura
Butterfly pleco, Flounder pleco
L169
LDA01
Panaque sp.
Gold Stripe Panaque
L170
Peckoltia sp.
L171
LDA15
Hopliancistrus sp.
L172
LDA33
Baryancistrus sp.
Big whitespot pleco
L173
L046, L098
Hypancistrus zebra
Zebra pleco
L174
Hypancistrus sp.
L175
Oligancistrus sp.
L176
Parancistrus nudiventris
Peppermint pleco
L177
Baryancistrus sp.
Iriri gold nugget pleco
L178
Lasiancistrus sp.
Red fin Lasiancistrus
L179
Pseudacanthicus sp.
L180
Ancistrus sp.
L181
L071, L249
Ancistrus sp.
L182
Ancistrus hoplogenys
Starlight bristlenose pleco
L183
Ancistrus dolichopterus
Starlight bristlenose catfish
L184
L107
Ancistrus sp.
Brillian bristlenose pleco
L185
Pseudacanthicus sp.
L186
Pseudacanthicus sp.
L190
Panaque nigrolineatus
Royal pleco
L191
Panaque sp.
Dull Eyed Royal pleco
L192
Hypostomus sp.
L193
Acanthicus sp.
L194
L092
Lasiancistrus tentaculatus
Woodeating Lasiancistrus
L195
L093, L153
Hypostomus villarsi
Blue fin thresher pleco
L196
Pterygoplichthys literatus
L197
Ancistrini sp.
L198
Ancistrini sp.
L199
Hypancistrus furunculus
L200
Baryancistrus demantoides
L200
Hemiancistrus subviridis
Green pleco, Lemon spotted green pleco
L201
Hypancistrus contradens
L202
Peckoltia sp.
L203
LDA65
Panaque sp.
Titanic pleco, Volkswagen pleco
L204
Panaque sp.
Flash pleco
L205
Peckoltia sp.
L206
Panaque sp.
L207
L127
Ancistrini sp.
L208
Ancistrini sp.
L209
Peckoltia sp.
L210
Ancistrini sp.
L211
L295
Peckoltia sp.
L212
Hopliancistrus tricornis
L213
Ancistrus sp.
L214
Peckoltia sp.
L215
L141
Peckoltia snethlageae
L216
L151
Dekeyseria scaphirhyncha
Flat head pleco
L218
L247
Peckoltia sp.
L219
Baryancistrus sp.
L220
Pseudancistrus sp.
L221
L223
Pseudancistrus sp.
L222
Hypostomus sp.
L223
L221
Pseudancistrus sp.
L224
Hypostomus sp.
L226
LDA26
Panaque changae
Iquitos tiger pleco
L227
Hypostomus sp.
L228
Lasiancistrus sp.
L229
Hypostomus sp.
L232
L146, LDA30
Peckoltia ucayalensis
Bola pleco
L233
LDA09
Hypostomus sp.
L234
L113
Megalancistrus parananus
L235
Pseudolithoxus anthrax
Flyer cat
L236
Hypancistrus sp.
L237
Ancistrus sp.
L238
LDA40
Delturus sp.
Brook pleco
L239
Ancistrini sp.
Blue Panaque
L240
Leporacanthicus cf. galaxias
L241
Leporacanthicus cf. galaxias
L242
Hypostomus sp.
L243
Peckoltia sp.
L244
Pseudolithoxus dumus
L245
Hypostomus sp.
L246
Hypostomus sp.
L247
L218
Peckoltia sp.
L249
L071, L181
Ancistrus sp.
L250
Hypancistrus sp.
L251
Pseudancistrus sp.
L252
Ancistrini sp.
L253
Scobinancistrus sp.
L254
Spectracanthicus sp.
L255
Ancistrus sp.
Spotted medusa pleco
L256
Lithoxus sp.
L257
Pseudolithoxus tigris
L258
Parancistrus sp.
L259
LDA32
Pseudancistrus sp.
L260
Hypancistrus sp.
Queen Arabesque pleco
L261
Ancistrini sp.
L262
Hypancistrus sp.
L263
Leporacanthicus sp.
L264
Leporacanthicus joselimai
Sultan pleco
L265
Peckoltia sp.
L266
Hypostomus sp.
L267
Ancistrus sp.
L268
Ancistrini sp.
L269
Ancistrini sp.
L270
L307, LDA76
Hypancistrus sp.
Chocolate zebra pleco, Tapajos zebra pleco
L271
Panaque sp.
L272
Panaque sp.
L273
Pseudacanthicus sp.
Titanicus pleco
L274
Baryancistrus sp.
L275
Pseudacanthicus sp.
L278
Peckoltia sp.
L279
LDA58
Ancistrus sp.
L280
Ancistrini sp.
L281
L051
Hypostomus latifrons
L282
Pseudacanthicus sp.
King galaxy cactus pleco
L283
Pseudacanthicus sp.
L284
Hypostomus sp.
L285
Hypostomus sp.
L286
Hypostomus sp.
L287
Hypancistrus sp.
L288
Peckoltia sp.
L289
Ancistrus sp.
L290
L291
Hypostomus cf. horrida
L291
L290
Hypostomus cf. horrida
L292
Ancistrus sp.
L293
Ancistrus sp.
L294
Leporacanthicus cf. galaxias
L295
L211
Peckoltia sp.
L296
Panaque sp.
L297
Hypancistrus sp.
L298
Hypostomus sp.
L299
Pseudancistrus sp.
L300
Parancistrus nudiventris
Peppermint pleco
L301
L075, L124, LDA02
Hemiancistrus sabaji
Para Pleco
L302
Lasiancistrus sp.
L303
Hypostomus macushi
L304
Ancistrus sp.
L305
L121, L135
Peckoltia braueri
Worm line peckoltia
L306
LDA64
Panaque sp.
L307
L270, LDA76
Hypancistrus sp.
Chocolate zebra pleco, Tapajos zebra pleco
L308
Hypostomus sp.
L309
Ancistrus sp.
L310
LDA51
Hypostomus cochliodon
L311
Hypostomus sp.
L312
LDA71
Lasiancistrus cf. caucanus
L313
Pterygoplichthys sp.
L314
LDA56
Leporacanthicus sp.
Sultan pleco
L315
Spectracanthicus sp.
L316
Hypancistrus sp.
Jari zebra pleco
L318
Hypancistrus sp.
L319
Baryancistrus sp.
L320
Pseudacanthicus sp.
L321
Pseudancistrus sp.
L322
Lasiancistrus saetiger
L323
Baryancistrus sp.
L324
Baryancistrus sp.
L325
Ancistrus sp.
L326
Leporacanthicus sp.
L327
Ancistrus sp.
L328
Pseudolithoxus sp.
L329
LDA27, LDA28
Panaque sp.
Panaque Peru Orange Lyretail
L330
L027a
Panaque sp. cf. nigrolineatus
Watermelon pleco
L331
Hypostomus sp.
L332
Parancistrus sp.
L333
Hypancistrus sp.
L337
Lasiancistrus sp.
L338
LDA16
Ancistrus sp.
L339
Hypancistrus lunaorum
L340
Hypancistrus sp.
Mega clown pleco
L341
Panaque sp.
L342
Hypostomus sp.
L343
Pseudacanthicus sp.
L344
Ancistrus sp.
L345
Hypancistrus sp.
L346
Hypostomus sp.
L347
Pterygoplichthys sp.
L349
LDA45
Ancistrus sp.
L350
Ancistrini sp.
Coal pleco, Peruvian lyre-tail
L351
Panaque sp.
L352
Ancistrus sp.
L353
Oligancistrus sp.
L354
Oligancistrus sp.
L355
Ancistrus sp.
L356
Hypostomus sp.
L357
Ancistrus sp.
L358
Peckoltia sp.
L359
Ancistrus sp.
L360
Hypostomus sp.
L361
Hopliancistrus sp.
L362
Scobinancistrus' sp.
L363
Oligancistrus sp.
L364
Baryancistrus sp.
L365
Lasiancistrus sp.
L366
Hypostomus sp.
L367
Hypostomus sp.
L368
Scobinancistrus sp.
L369
Ancistrus sp.
L370
Ancistrus sp.
L373
Oligancistrus sp.
L374
Panaque sp.
L375
Pseudacanthicus cf. spinosus
L376
Hypostominae sp.
L377
Peckoltia sp.
L378
Ancistrus sp.
L379
Hypostomus sp.
L380
Pseudacanthicus sp.
L381
Hypostomus sp.
L382
Peckoltia sp.
L383
Pseudancistrus sp.
L384
Baryancistrus sp.
L385
Pseudolithoxus sp.
L386
Lasiancistrus sp.
L387
Peckoltia sp.
L388
Hypostomus sp.
L389
Hypostomus sp.
L390
Hypostomus sp.
L391
Oligancistrus sp.
L392
Ancistrus sp.
L393
Ancistrus sp.
L394
Hypostomus sp.
L395
Panaque sp.
L396
Ancistrus sp.
L397
Panaque sp.
L398
Panaque sp.
L399
Hypancistrus sp.
L400
Hypancistrus sp.
L401
Hypancistrus sp.
L403
Panaque sp.
L404
Hypancistrus sp.
L405
Peckoltia sp.
L406
Pseudacanthicus sp.
L407
Acanthicus sp.
L408
Chaetostoma sp.
L409
Chaetostoma sp.
L410
Hypancistrus sp.
L411
Hypancistrus sp.
L412
Chaetostoma sp.
L413
Chaetostoma sp.
L414
Chaetostoma sp.
L415
Chaetostoma sp.
L416
Chaetostoma sp.
L417
Oligancistrus sp.
L418
Panaque sp.
L419
Hypostomus sp.
L420
Pseudacanthicus sp.
L421
Ancistrus sp.
L422
Hopliancistrus sp.
L423
Ancistrus sp.
L424
Hemiancistrus sp.
L425
Panaque sp.
L426
Panaque sp.
L427
Lithoxus sp.
L600
LDA73
Pseudacanthicus leopardus
On your second post of this thread, the first listing of the L-numbers, you have:
L001
L022 alt
Pterygoplichthys joselimaianus
You, I'm assuming, are saying "L022 alt" just an alternate listing for the same species? If so, why the different listing of two different species?
[1.] Is it do a certain country in which it's listed (the US uses L001 & Africa uses L022)?
[2.] Or is it (as you have indicated above) because of different populations for the same species . . . BUT a different location in the same body of water (i.e same species, different populations, opposite ends of a very large lake, like Lake Malawi, Lake Tanganyika or Lake Victoria)?
L001
L022 alt
Pterygoplichthys joselimaianus
You, I'm assuming, are saying "L022 alt" just an alternate listing for the same species? If so, why the different listing of two different species?
[1.] Is it do a certain country in which it's listed (the US uses L001 & Africa uses L022)?
[2.] Or is it (as you have indicated above) because of different populations for the same species . . . BUT a different location in the same body of water (i.e same species, different populations, opposite ends of a very large lake, like Lake Malawi, Lake Tanganyika or Lake Victoria)?
L-number
Alternative L- or LDA-numbers
Scientific name
Common name(s)
The L001 was first assigned to the species. It was later changed to L022 due to differences found between the individuals that were first grouped together as L001. The differences can be differences in location, or physiological differences that were noted in ray counts, scale counts, architecture of tubercules, scutes, dentition, etc. Right now, all countries use the same german-derived system of listing Loricarids.
Like the first post states, the L-listing is non-scientific. Maybe, in the future, it'll reflect scientific principles and act as a formal identification tool to identify Loricarids.
Want some more confusion? There is a 'C' listing for Corydorid catfish too.
Alternative L- or LDA-numbers
Scientific name
Common name(s)
The L001 was first assigned to the species. It was later changed to L022 due to differences found between the individuals that were first grouped together as L001. The differences can be differences in location, or physiological differences that were noted in ray counts, scale counts, architecture of tubercules, scutes, dentition, etc. Right now, all countries use the same german-derived system of listing Loricarids.
Like the first post states, the L-listing is non-scientific. Maybe, in the future, it'll reflect scientific principles and act as a formal identification tool to identify Loricarids.
Want some more confusion? There is a 'C' listing for Corydorid catfish too.
Thanks Oddball. Your information has been really helpful. Just by chance how much studying have you done as an Ichthyologist? Just curious as I have wanted to go do studies in Ichthyology, but do not know which discipline to choose to specialize in. Before I get my Masters Degree, I have to choose one. But there are so many. Any suggestions?
I majored in ichthyological taxonomy. However, to pay the bills and eat, I became an electromechanical field engineer.
Unless you were rich to start with, the only security nowadays is to have a degree in fisheries science. Either large open-water, netted holds, or recirculating systems. Fishery genetics, histology, and pathology are also good solid fields to enter. You just have to be able to enjoy working in a lab for the long term.
Unless you were rich to start with, the only security nowadays is to have a degree in fisheries science. Either large open-water, netted holds, or recirculating systems. Fishery genetics, histology, and pathology are also good solid fields to enter. You just have to be able to enjoy working in a lab for the long term.
