identify Pit bull type catfish please

[donpetty, posts: 96]

This weekend I purchased a small group of Pit bull plecos (Parotocinclus jumbo)
to add to the small group I currently keep, I was told they are going to stop being imported and that soon they will no longer be available?
My intent is to captive breed them, and this was a good opportunity to get a larger group.
When I got them home and unpacked them; I noted 1 fish which is not unlike the standard Parotocinclus jumbo, but slightly different. Can anyone identify this fish as a by catch or as a type of Parotocinclus ?
Thank you
Don

[sunfish, posts: 280]

That is Parotocinclus spilosoma a common contaminant to LDA 25.

[donpetty, posts: 96]

Tina,
Thanks,
Regardless of it being a "Containment"I think I like it....
Its a cool little fish.
I have noted it does not hang out with the other Pit bulls and it seems to
prefer scouting for food just after lights out.
Thank you for the information!
Don

[Mike_Noren, posts: 1395]

How can you tell it's a spilosoma?

[donpetty, posts: 96]

I meant "contaminant"
It does look like the link provided.

[Mike_Noren, posts: 1395]

I'm not saying you're wrong, I just wondered if you had any trick for identifying Parotocinclus, because I find them extremely difficult.

[Shane]

I just wondered if you had any trick for identifying Parotocinclus, because I find them extremely difficult.

Mike,
No trick here. There are a few Parotocinclus spilosoma in every group of P. jumbo I have ever seen. If I remember correctly the original description noted that the two spp were found together.
-Shane

[donpetty, posts: 96]

Is it true as the LFS told me, that they are not going to be able to get these fish any more?
Because they will no longer be imported?

[MatsP]

Yes, it's quite possible that it will be hard to get hold of Brazilian Parotocinclus species (and the discussed in this thread are from Brazil), because the list of "species allowed for export" doesn't have any Parotocinclus species listed on it.

But it's also possible that the fish will not be closely inspected and get through.

Edit: List of species allowed for export:
viewtopic.php?f=2&t=34932&p=236135#p236178

--
Mats

[sunfish, posts: 280]

P. spilosome ist a very common contaminant to LDA 25. When stressed the "bleach out" and look similar. My LFS often had LDA shipments that contained about 50% P. spilosoma. So it should not be a problem to get some more. When you know what you're looking for it is really easy to spot them in the tank, even when they are stressed. Just have a look at pitbulls. Good luck. Contaminant hunting is loads of fun. I used to have an entire tank full of them.

[donpetty, posts: 96]

I actually contacted the LFS in Portland to see about getting
more of the pit bulls and hopefully a few of the contaminants
as well. I have a second post seeking information on whiptails
I got those from the same shop and hope to get more of them as well.
Thank you all again for the great information!