Another difference between the two pictures is that the barring on the paired fins is oriented differently. Note that on the H. zebra the pectoral fin bars run parallel to the spiny ray, but on the other picture the bars are perpendicular to it (and are extended onto teh spiny ray as Kevin pointed o...

Is teh black-eyed yellow bn pleco (L144) a wild-type coloration? Is it considered a leucistic form of a brown species?

Thanks for the replies. I have had some plecos breed for me. Currently I have more ancistrus than I can shake a stick at... I just got rid of two pairs (which leaves me with three pairs).

I have an opportunity to get either if these species to work with, but I only have space for one type. I am aware that the L-260 is being bred pretty regularly. What is up with L-204? Are they being bred? Which is a better choice for a long-time fish breeder, few-times pleco spawner?

Sure they will survive freezing... I keep my cysts in the freezer to prolong their hatch rate. Plus the lake they come from does freeze.. at least in shallow areas.

I use play sand and rinse it thoroughly. I also let the gravel siphon collect the smallest 'dust' sand particles over the course of water changes. I start with about 1/2 inch and end up with about 1/3 inch over a few months that is more coarse.

Someday you boys (and girls) will all get serious... Kentucky Bourbon... all the fun without the keg-belly.

Ya'll c'mon over and have a sip...

I get the most out of talks that are either recounts of collecting trips (so that I can curse your good fortune and commiserate with the rest of us non-travelling dweebs... man I need a life); or talks that take a very specific group of fish, such as a genus or sub-genus and cover all that is know a...

Thanks Allan... I will innoculate the fry tanks with ramshorns. I keep a tank of snails for science experiments (I teach), so I have plenty.

I live in a very cold climate (night time temps in JULY reach 40 F). All my tanks are on 1/2 inch foam board year 'round, but in the winter I surround them on three sides (sides and back), as well as lay a piece over the canopies (except planted tanks).

I watch mine baby bn catch bbs. They do not chase them out in the water column, but when a nauplii gets close they will tilt up and get it.

Anyone else have the experience with the snails?

I have a question about the use of snails: and snails. We know them as pond snails, they are brown, ovate and grow to just over 1cm. Has anyone else experienced this? Do you think that red ramshorm snails would work as well? I have a couple pairs of ancistrus where I am using an albino male and a he...