What kind of algea eater ???

[meBNme]

I have an algae eater that I need to identify. I cannot find pics of one anywhere.

It is about 8 inches long, and at the largest body portion is not quite as big around as a typical sharpie marker, slightly larger around than a pencil.

I've seen them at my LFS at around 2 to 4 inches.

Markings are gray brown and black in a "marbled" fashion. Long snout protruding in front of its mouth, about 1/2 to 3/4" long and 1/8 diameter with rounded tip.
The tail is rather fancy when he spreads it and stands about 3/4" tall.

I'd also like any recommendations for additional algea eaters of non common type that will thrive with my current stock.

Pleco's are cool, but everyone has them. I'd only consider a pleco that was extremely nontypical. Something that the average aquarium hobbyist would look at and say "What kind of fish is that?" and not "Wow, cool pleco."

 

[joe jaskot]

Could it be a farlowella?

Images: http://www.google.com/search?q=farl...s=org.mozilla:en-US:official&client=firefox-a

 

[Chris360]

With it being gray and marbled I'm just guessing but maybe a Tapajo Sivlver Pleco, I could probaly tell you better seeing a picture. I agree with you, all my plecos are somewhat rare and very cool to the eye.

 

[meBNme]

Could it be a farlowella?

Images: http://www.google.com/search?q=farl...s=org.mozilla:en-US:official&client=firefox-a

DING DING DING!! Thats it!

Thanks a ton man!

Any other suggestions for a tank mate?

 

[meBNme]

.... I agree with you, all my plecos are somewhat rare and very cool to the eye.

Any suggestions?
I've seen pics of one or two pleco's that were stunning.
The rest are very cool pleco's but still obviously plecos.

This critter I have is definitely a farlowella, (thanks joe jaskot) probably Farlowella acus.
I'd love to have another AG-eater thats just as bizarre as this guy.

I cant remember what kind of pleco I saw a while back (pic only) that really amazed me. But man, that thing was beautiful.
And I'm one that thinks most plecos are ugly as skunk snot.

One of my LFS can get and usually keep many rare or unusual fish. So if the suggestion is an obtainable fish, they can probably get it. Hopefully I wont find one only to realize they are impossible to get, or cost $100 per inch of fish.

 

[Chris360]

I have a Royal Pleco, which is cool. I also have a Vampire Pleco, he eats very hearty and doesnt let fish bully him around. I also have a Mango Pleco and a Blue Phantom Pleco......google them and see what you like, to me the rarer the better

 

[Chris360]

Some of the plecos are way over priced but I'm one of the ones that when I want it bad enough I get it....lol You have to decide whats good for your tank and your fish budget but don't settle. Like the Zebra Pleco are priced high and they only get 2" long F&$% that!!!! Check out Gold Nugget Pleco, very expensive but awesome nonetheless