PlanetCatfish.com

I got this guy a couple of weeks ago from a friend of mine. It doesnt' quite look like the other common Plecos I've had and seen in the past. It's covered with small black spots (Instead of the bigger marbled spotting) even on the dorsal fin. No stripes on the dorsal and no barring on the sides like most of the commons I've had. It's also missing the rows of little spikes along it's sides and instead just has smooth plates. The first ray on it's pectoral fins is very thick and covered with little spines like a cactus as well. Here are a couple of pics. Hopefully someone can identify it for me.

Thanks,
Kristen

It's some kind of Hypostomus, but these things are difficult to identify accurately. I would say something close to H. ventromaculatus or H. watwata.

You know, this is a very interesting fish. Is it me or do I see spines growing from it's cheek? Any chance of a close up of the suckermouth from underneath or a close-up of the head?

Jools

Here's the best pics I could get. He's not the most cooperative fish in the world.

OK, that helps (a bit) it's not what I though it might be. Would go with Silurus then,it's some kind of Hypostomus and these things are difficult to identify accurately. However I am unfamiliar with H. ventromaculatus but I don't think it is H. watwata, the spots are not well defined and I don't think the latter has a well spotted belly either.

I think we're going to have to wait for Wels Atlas Vol. 2 to further help with this one!

Jools

Hi!

I don't think it is Hypostomus watwata either, I have seen loads of them in formoline at the MHNG, and as far as I remember, they were really different looking from your fish, the spot were not so numerous, they were also bigger... talking about that species, was also impressed by the adult size of that species, I shall ask Claude Weber if he has any idea.
Do you have any information regarding the origin and the possible name under you bought it?
Cheers
Yann