Unknown Ancistrus from Siberia ;)

[lebedev ilya]

Hello. I bought this fish as an Ancistrus "Rio Paraguay", but when it grows up, I see that it is a completely different species. Is it possible to determine what kind of species it is?
The largest male is about 8-9 centimeters. They've already unsuccessfully spawned once.

[Bas Pels]

In Ancistrus, the fry looks a lot like to parent, from the beginning, I mean. As you have fry, and did not mention thay are different, that would exclude a hybrid.

[Jools]

Given the colour bias on the photos (the white on the zebras is a little grey), and the fact the barbles are beginning to divide, my best guess would be

Ancistrus triradiatus

which I would expect to show a little more brown colouration.

In Ancistrus, the fry looks a lot like to parent, from the beginning, I mean. As you have fry, and did not mention thay are different, that would exclude a hybrid.

That's a bit of a generalisation, there are several spp. that, for example, lose spots as they age or lose a prominent caudal peduncle light coloured ring marking.

Also, most hybrids I know of keep the same colouration from juvenile to adult. (e.g. super red, snow white, green dragon etc.). I am not clear on the link between colouration change and hybridisation in most, if not all, cases.

I would also add I have no idea of import or trade routes in and around Siberia. @lebedev ilya - do you know where fishes are imported from - or is this from a local breeder?

Cheers,

Jools