Sold as "L333 Snowball pleco"...

[silentb0b]

Hi - I am new here and to catfish.

This one was sold at my LFS as "L333 Snowball pleco" - and now that I have read up a little on the subject I would like to check with the experts (you guys!).
I know it's not an L333, but it seems there are many, many different fish being labelled "snowball pleco".
I have narrowed it down to 2-3 possible L-numbers, but would like to hear your unbiased suggestions

It's about 4" / 10 cm in length.

Any takers?

[MatsP]

I suspect it's supposed to be

Baryancistrus sp(l142)

, aka "LDA33".

--
Mats

[apistomaster]

If you want to breed a spotted pleco then I would recommend Hypancistrus contradens.
They do not get very large and are reasonably easy to breed.
Baryancistrus species are all fairly large fish and much more difficult to breed.

[racoll]

silentb0b, I don't believe your fish is

Baryancistrus

. Mouth is too small for a start.

Rather, I think it is

Hypancistrus contradens

.

Other candidates are

Hypancistrus sp(l201)

, but this is a flatter fish, and

Hypancistrus inspector

, but this sp. has clear black margins to fins.

[silentb0b]

Thank you for your suggestions!
I did have L142 Baryancistrus topping my list of candidates, but now I'm leaning towards Hyp. contradens.
Below is a picture of the mouth and belly - does that settle anything?
Or are there any other parts I could get a picture of that could decide this for certain?

[matthewfaulkner]

I would say that the mouth shot makes it Baryancistrus.

[apistomaster]

I was just looking for a photo of the mouth because it seemed way big for a Hypancistrus.

[MatsP]

Definitely NOT Hypancistrus - and yes, matches Baryancistrus.

Looks a bit skinny, so a good amount of vegetable food and warm water - aim for 30'C.

--
Mats

[racoll]

Wow. I got that completely wrong! I was convinced that was

Hypancistrus

.

Goes to show, you really need lots of different photos to get a good ID.

Definitely

Baryancistrus sp(l142)

after seeing the mouth close up.

[apistomaster]

racoll,
It's understandable for you to make a mistake. No doubt due to looking at so many minnows.

[racoll]

No doubt due to looking at so many minnows.

True!

To afford anything with a L attached to it in NZ requires a small bank loan!

[silentb0b]

Thank you all for input and wisdom!
I will now make sure my L142 gets properly taken care of (no, not that kind of "taken care of"...)