What is this??? Sold as L007

[MikeFish]

However, I found that so many sites have conflicting info on all these galaxy type looking plecos. The l007 according to most sites says it gets 10inches, and I have had this for 2 years and its pretty much at 1.5inches and hasn't grown. Spots are a slight yellow. I'm also finding that most people have similar species tagged on google and youtube as a L007 but also as a l201 and others. If someone knows the exact L number of this species, please let me know!

thank you!

[stuby]

It's a Hypancistrus...... I would say L471.
Take care,
Chuck

[MikeFish]

thanks for the reply and input, any other suggestions or do people agree with it being L471? Possible L201? After close reviewing, I'm thinking it is L471 as Chuck suggests.

[bekateen]

L201 is a possibility, but (in my opinion) your fish looks a little stocky to be L201, so L471 is possible. I've been told by scientists that L201 and Hypancistrus contradens are genetically indistinguishable (like L333 and L066). I don't know if L471 was tested too.

Maybe they're like people - within one species there are large and small individuals, some with big frames and some with small frames. Or are they different species? I don't know.

Cheers, Eric

[MikeFish]

I'm looking to buy a few more, a local breeder and pleco specialist said it is most likely L201.

[Jools]

Many folks don't differentiate L201 and clog Hypancistrus contradens mostly through inexperience but sometimes through choice. If you do think they are different, it is because the latter is a stockier fish like Eric says. Your fish is stockier. L471 is very similar fish from the Rio Ventuari only. If you're not 100% sure you're fish is from there, then you can't be 100% sure your fish is L471.

HTH,

Jools