Pleco Identification

[MissNoodle]

My own two cents is not to put them in as a known described sp. I would add them as Ancistrus sp # and note the trade name they were imported under and that they may be one of the described spp from that drainage but we can't make offer a definitive identification without verified provenience information.
-Shane

That really does help, is that the same fish as the pic we used (perhaps that was the female)?

Jools

New photos.

This is the female underbelly. No markings on her

And the male. What's interesting is his blending colour change... on wood he's dark but on sand he gets reticulated spots on him.

And video of the female

[Fishmandavew]

Just one point to note, as I know it is happening here. Stores (and I accidentally) have found that if they breed male cirrhosis with female l044a it produces brown fish with a much stronger reticulated pattern. Just what we need, more bn types (not), although I am confident this is not what you have.

[Fishmandavew]

Apologies, put l044a meaning the blue eyed lemon we call l144a ( albeit not the original)

[MissNoodle]

Alright, digging this up, as they've been doing great. Probably my favorite ancistrus by far. They're just so docile compared to my cf cirrhosis lol very mild mannered fish, get along fantastic with my farlowella and l240 as well as the cories and Bolivian ram.

But, wanted to share updated photos. Female has not changed in appearance at all. Male, he's developed beautifully, he's got a really beautiful red-gold shine to him, and fine spotted fins when they're flared open. Even some red tones in the fins too.

Male:

Female:

Bekateen, do these compare to the fish you purchased as "bodenhameri"?

[Jools]

As a total aside, did you know there are now two species of Bolivian Ram, look for long caudal fin extensions and caudal peduncle shading for the new sp. Just got this in before anyone replies about the BN, so hope not interrupting the flow too much.

Cheers,

Jools

[MissNoodle]

As a total aside, did you know there are now two species of Bolivian Ram, look for long caudal fin extensions and caudal peduncle shading for the new sp. Just got this in before anyone replies about the BN, so hope not interrupting the flow too much.

Cheers,

Jools

Wasn't aware of this, no!

He's not the most cooperative fish for photos. Ironically he gets excited when he sees the phone so doesn't sit still. Does this cute little head shaking to my phone and my finger.

We had another, but this guy apparently didn't like them and it didn't end well. So stays solo, doesn't seem to mind.

[Jools]

Wasn't aware of this, no!
20221109_181645.jpg

I am not certain, as your fish maybe has a bit of growing to do, but I'm leaning towards you fish being the new species. Check out Mikrogeophagus maculicauda and Mikrogeophagus altispinosus.

Cheers,

Jools

PS Normal pl*co service can now resume.

[MissNoodle]

Male has been staking out caves, been kicking my L240 out of his cave, so I added lots more for them to pick from, and since he's staked claim to the smallest one and the female has also begun showing interest in him in the cave.

Photo of him stealing the old cave from my L240 lol

[MissNoodle]

And eggs.

[bekateen]

Excellent! Congratulations!

Cheers, Eric

[MissNoodle]

Photos from the first week:

And most recent, today, at 41 days old: