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Hey all! Apologies right off the bat if this is in the wrong place. >_<

I've been oggling this cute little stripey pl*co in the LFS for a while now. I'm really tempted to buy it, but I've never owned a pl*co before, so I have a few questions.

First off, I'm not really sure what kind of fish it is, exactly. The store has two labels for the little guy, each with the same picture, but different names. One says "Colombian Zebra Pl*co", and the other says "Chocolate Zebra Pl*co". Would those be different names for the same kind of fish? If not, are the two much different from one another? How can I tell which is the correct name? Maybe next time I go to the store I'll bring a camera with me and take a picture for you guys. ;)

Second, I've been visitng Mr. Pl*co in the store for a couple months now, just to watch him and see what he's like. He looks healthy enough, but he hides all the time! To be frank, I don't really want to shell out a pile of cash for a fish I'll never get to see. Is there any way to "un-shy" a pl*co? His tank in the store is pretty barren, too... Would he come out more often at home if I gave him lots of cover to feel safe? I've heard so much bragging from pl*co owners about how their pl*cs have such wonderful personalities and how interactive they are... That's what I want! Do you think it's possible to foster a relationship like that with the one I want to buy?

Third, would he be a suitable pl*co for a moderate-to-heavily planted tank? Or would he spend most of his time digging all my plants up or something? And would he get along with my mystery snails?

Last but certainly not least: What are some good pl*co keeping habits I should be prepared to adopt if I bring him home? Like I said, I've never had one before-- what's it take to keep a pl*co happy?

Thanks for your help! ^_^

One says "Colombian Zebra Pl*co", and the other says "Chocolate Zebra Pl*co".

The first name is for L129 Hypancistrus sp which are from Colombia and the second are for L270 Hypancistrus sp that origin from Brasil.

He looks healthy enough, but he hides all the time! To be frank, I don't really want to shell out a pile of cash for a fish I'll never get to see. Is there any way to "un-shy" a pl*co?

Hypancistrus species are not the most active catfishes you can buy, even if the tank are decorated more to fit him or her they are very shy and comes out only when feeding.

I've heard so much bragging from pl*co owners about how their pl*cs have such wonderful personalities and how interactive they are... That's what I want! Do you think it's possible to foster a relationship like that with the one I want to buy?

No, mostly the bigger genus like Glyptoperichthys would act in that way you describe. All catfishes have their own personalitys so that is true but not everyone will be interactive with you

Third, would he be a suitable pl*co for a moderate-to-heavily planted tank? Or would he spend most of his time digging all my plants up or something? And would he get along with my mystery snails?

This is not any problem with Hypancistrus species and would work fine, youngsters can make some damage on plants but I have never seen any adult shewing on any plants.

Last but certainly not least: What are some good pl*co keeping habits I should be prepared to adopt if I bring him home? Like I said, I've never had one before-- what's it take to keep a pl*co happy?

Strong currents and high water quality with regulary water changes, some pieces of wood, stones and caves to hide in and if you get a partner even to breed in. Some genus are better then other for heavily planted tanks as yours and maybe a Hypancistrus not is the best choice, try instead one of all the Ancistrus species that are available which will fits your tank better. Have a look in the Cat-eLog and ask your lfs if they have or can bring them home for you.

Janne