Update Fish Stocks

This is my currently updated fish stock.

2" L91 - 15/3/07
2" L114 - 29/3/07
5" L200 - 21/3/07
3" L273 - 17/3/07
3" L25 - 10/3/07
2" L14 - 5/3/07
6" L95 - 1/3/07
3" Albino Adonis - 27/2/07
4" L600 - 15/2/07
5" L25 - 7/2/07
4" L25 - 7/2/07
7" L24 - 17/12/06
3" L25 - 17/12/06
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L264
Veiltail
L177
L360
L56
L600
5" L160
3" L02
1" L204
2" L203
2"L47
3" L128
2" L25
4" L190 - 15/9/06
2" L260
2" L134
3" L24
1" Adonis

L114 Leopard Cactus Pleco Profile

Scientific Name : Pseudacanthicus leopardus L114/LDA07
Family : Loricariidae
Common Name : Leopard Cactus Pleco
Maximum Length : 30cm / 12"
Origin : Rio Demini, Brazil
pH Level : 6.0 - 7.4

Things to note: The "brother" species of L600, there are a lot of similarities between the two species. The most accepted difference is that on a L114 the spots are even throughout the body, while on a L600, the spots get smaller or disappear on the head portion. L114 also has a smaller maximum size compared to a L600.

Personal comments : While L600 is mostly black/grey with red fins, L114 is yellow/orange with red fins. This makes it slightly less attractive in terms of coloration contrasts. Nevertheless a great addition to any tank.

Tips : Keep the L114 in a tank with black Oyama, where its body will become darker. Coupled with a red light tube to accentuate the red colour of its fins, it becomes a beautiful display fish immediately. It is not certain if there's any way to reduce or even stop the leaching of colours.
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Sexual dimporphism / reproduction : Unknown.

Feeding : Carnivore but not a predator. Favours prawns as well as small pieces of fish. Provide some vegetables for a balanced diet. When it gets used to the aquarium it will also eat pellets and wafers.

Behavior in captivity : L114s are extremely shy and introverted fish and require low lighting or darkness and a cave they can call their own. They are particularly aggressive and territorial towards conspecifics. Should there be a challenge expect to see violent fights and bullying until the hierarchy is established. Due to their size and strength fights may have detrimental outcomes. Provide clearly separated spaces for them in the tank and ensure each stays there by minimising the need for them to look for food outside their space. Given time they will get used to each others presence and learn to live harmoniously.

L47 Mango Pleco Profile

Scientific Name : Baryancistrus sp. L47
Family : Loricariidae
Common Name : High Fin Green Spot Pleco
Maximum Length : 28cm / 11"
Origin : Rio Xingu, Brazil - A black water river
pH Level : 6.0 - 7.4 Things to note: One of the easiest plecos to recognise and keep, the Mango Pleco is a traditional favourite among pleco keepers, and is easy enough to start with. The yellow fins against a green background cuts a beautiful sight in any tank.

Personal comments : Having sold my L47 among other plecos, it is the one pleco I miss the most, because it is so visually arresting and also cute to look at.

Tips : L47 are known to be slow in acclimatising to local conditions. Make sure that the L47 at your LFS is already there for a while before bagging it home.

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Sexual dimporphism / reproduction : Not known.

Feeding : A look at the mouth of the Mango Pleco reveals that this species is an "Aufwuchs" eater. It eats almost everything though.

Behavior in captivity : This species gets on well with most bottom dwellers and will not proactively attack other fish.

L200 High Fin Green Spot Pleco Profile

Scientific Name : Baryancistrus demantoides L200
Family : Loricariidae
Common Name : High Fin Green Spot Pleco
Maximum Length : 17cm / 7"
Origin : Rio Orinoco, Venezuela - A black water river
pH Level : 6.0 - 7.4
Things to note: This is the highfin variant that is much sought after by hobbyists. It is easily recognisable by its mustard green body with yellow spots, and a wondrous dorsal fin that when fully extended, opens up perpendicularly to the body.

Personal comments : This L200 Highfin was bought as an afterthought; I wanted to cut down on my pleco collection then, and didn't want to buy anymore. But this was an impulse buy that I've never regretted! It is highly active and responsive to food, and other than its glorious high fin, it is also well spotted on both pairs of lateral fins, giving it a top quality L200 look.

Tips : Beware of LFS which sell normal L200(H.subviridis) as Highfin L200(B.demantoides). The latter is much rarer and subsequently more expensive.

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Sexual dimporphism / reproduction : Not known.

Feeding : A look at the mouth of the Green Phantom Pleco reveals that this species is an "Aufwuchs" eater. It eats almost everything though.

Behavior in captivity : This medium-sized Loricarid prefers a dimly lit tank with a good number of hiding places, either created with plants, drift wood, rocks or artificial (pleco spawning) caves. When suitable hiding places are lacking, it can be agressive towards other bottom dwellers.

L200 requires warm and very oxygen-rich water, preferably soft and slightly acidic water (pH 6.0-6.5). Also, lots of underwater currents are appreciated. A powerful filter system is recommended, as this fish produces a lot of waste.

L14 Sunshine Pleco Profile

Scientific Name : Scobinancistrus aureatus L14
Family : Loricariidae
Common Name : Sunshine Pleco
Maximum Length : 30cm / 12"
Origin : Rio Xingu, Brazil - A black water river
pH Level : 6.0 - 7.4
Things to note: L14 looks very different as a juvenile fish and as a adult fish. As one of the most popular plecos in the market it is good for beginners.

Personal comments : My L14 is extremely active, and needed no acclimatisation period. It immediately started to move all around the tank and had no fixed territory. At 2" it is the smallest pleco in my tank, and wisely keeps out of the larger pseudas' way. At this size it also has 7 points of red/orange, and is extremely attractive.

Tips : L14 looks very different when larger, and gives the hobbyist a good variety even within the same species of fish. The large specimens are heavily spotted like L253 and L48, and the orange fins have leached off.

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Sexual dimporphism / reproduction : Not known.

Feeding : Like all members of the genus Scobinancistrus, the Sunshine Pleco is predominantly carnivorous, and often it will also take food remains left behind by tank mates, as well as soft wood.

Behavior in captivity : L14 is extremely active and as long as the basic necessities that a pleco needs are met, especially lower pH water and good filtration, it will survive and thrive.

L600 Leopard Cactus Pleco Profile

Scientific Name : Pseudacanthicus leopardus L600/LDA73
Family : Loricariidae
Common Name : Leopard Cactus Pleco
Maximum Length : 30cm / 12"
Origin : Rio Branco, Brazil (A similar species is L114, from Rio Demini)
pH Level : 6.0 - 7.4
Things to note: L600 is one of the sharp spiked and spotted pseudas, the others being the L96, L160 and L282. Hence it is extremely boisterous and territorial, and care must be taken to ensure that there is sufficient space for it to call its own. Aeration and pH are also important factors. The flow rate of the powerhead is not important. Note that young fish are extremely sensitive to ammonia and nitrite, and overfiltration is always recommended.

Personal comments : L600 is one of the most beautiful pseuda species available, and there's a good reason why: the rich colour of a good L600 specimen can match that of a L25 easily, if not better it. The only drawback of L600 is that the body colours will leach onto the red fins as it grows bigger, thus dulling the colour of the fish.

Tips : Keep the L600 in a tank with black Oyama, where its body will become darker. Coupled with a red light tube to accentuate the red colour of its fins, it becomes an awesome display fish immediately. It is not certain if there's any way to reduce or even stop the leaching of colours.
.....................................................................................

Sexual dimporphism / reproduction : Unknown.

Feeding : Carnivore but not a predator. Favours prawns as well as small pieces of fish. Provide some vegetables for a balanced diet. When it gets used to the aquarium it will also eat pellets and wafers.

Behavior in captivity : L600s are extremely shy and introverted fish and require low lighting or darkness and a cave they can call their own. They are particularly aggressive and territorial towards conspecifics. Should there be a challenge expect to see violent fights and bullying until the hierarchy is established. Due to their size and strength fights may have detrimental outcomes. Provide clearly separated spaces for them in the tank and ensure each stays there by minimising the need for them to look for food outside their space. Given time they will get used to each others presence and learn to live harmoniously.

L95 Orange Cheek Pleco Profile

Scientific Name : Pseudorinelepis genibarbis (Valenciennes in Cuvier & Valenciennes, 1840)
Family : Loricariidae
Common Name : Orange Cheek Pleco
Maximum Length : 36cm / 14"
Origin : Rio Purus, Bazil
pH Level : 6.0 - 7.4 Things to note: This is another species for which there is very little literature available on the Internet. However it is famed for its gentleness and beauty, and it is one of the more popular choices for experienced and deep pocketed hobbyists.

Personal comments : My L95 is a voracious eater and moves almost constantly as soon as food is dropped into the tank. It rarely darts around and instead glides gently up and down the tank.

Tips : Try feeding foods with colour enhancing ingredients; you may find that L95 colourations will improve quickly. Most L95 ship extremely well due to their ability to take in atmospheric oxygen; DOA rates are extremely low.

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Sexual dimporphism / reproduction : Not known.

Feeding : It is omnivorous, and will eat just about anything.

Behavior in captivity : It is a gentle pleco that is great for any tank. One of the best plecos to keep.

Update of fish stock

Since the march update, I've sold my L360, L25 and L273. In their place I bought another L273 and one v high fin and well spotted L200. Am I happy or what? ;)

So here goes the update.

5" L282 - 2/4/07
2" L114 - 30/3/07
5" L200 - 21/3/07
3" L273 - 17/03/07
3" L25 - 10/3/07
2" L14 - 5/3/07
6" L95 - 1/3/07
3" Albino Adonis - 27/02/07
4" L600 - 15/2/07
5" L25 - 7/2/07
4" L25 - 7/2/07
7" L24 - 17/12/06
3" L25 - 17/12/06

End Game

And here we have it... The vision that I had in December of a dream comm, that encompassed all that I think is beautiful, is now in. Of course there might be something out there that I still want to add in, but this should more or less be it. I'm glad that my ideas have survived till today, and these are what I wish to share with you now. I'm glad I did it my way. :)

My first tank:

Inhabitants (9):
1 x 7" L24
1 x 7" Ornate Bichir
2 x 4-5" Senegal Bichir
7 x 3-4" Red Head Tapajos

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My second tank:


Inhabitants (32):
4 x 3-5" L25
1 x 2" L114
1 x 3" L273
1 x 5" L282
1 x 5" L600
1 x 3" Albino Adonis
1 x 5" L95
1 x 5" L200
1 x 4" L190
1 x 2" L14
1 x 2" C. sychri
1 x 2" C. naponensis
1 x 2" C. duplicareus
1 x 2" C. arcuatus
1 x 2" C. melini
5 x 1" C. concolor
6 x 4" Congo Tetras
1 x 4" Pearl Gourami
1 x 2" Betta splendens

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What else can go into such a tank? Perhaps a mega gold? more peru black/fowleri cories? We'll see :p

March Update

Here is my best photo ever.

Well let's just say I overstepped the limits... Thank God I increased the filter media count :D.. Got the most beautiful L25 ever yesterday, and it increases my L25 count to 5. Not complaining though, although I need to let one pleco go... Seems like it will be my L273 which has been with me for a while.

Say... let's have a look at when my bhoys here joined the pp..pp..party...

4" L25 - 10/3/07
2" L14 - 5/3/07
6" L95 - 1/3/07
3" Albino Adonis - 27/02/07
4" L600 - 15/2/07
5" L25 - 7/2/07
4" L25 - 7/2/07
3" L25 - 7/2/07
7" L24 - 17/12/06
3" L25 - 17/12/06
2.5" L273 - 2/11/06
6" L360 - 31/10/06
4" L190 - 15/9/06