Identifying Plecos

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retro_gk
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Identifying Plecos

Post by retro_gk »

Given juvenile fish of 2"-4" in length, how can I differentiate between Hypostomus spp., Glyptoperichthys spp. and Liposarcus spp.?
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Post by Shane »

Rahul,
Count the dorsal fin rays. Hypostomus and Cochliodon have I, 7 (meaning one hard ray followed by seven soft rays) while Glyptopterichthys and Lipsarcus have I, 8 or more (actually usually more than 12).
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retro_gk
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Post by retro_gk »

Hi Shane,
Thanks for the reply, determined that all fish in LFS are Liposarcus .Is there any way to sex them at this size? Are there any external differences. I also have access to a couple of 12"+ specimens.
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Post by Silurus »

It won't be easy sexing the smaller fishes. For the larger fishes, you'd have to look at the genital papilla. It's larger and more prominent in the males.
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