150 Gallon Tank L129 Colombian zebra pleco

[TClare]

I bought this pleco on a whim, early in 2021, put it in a newly set up tank, the plants hadn't grown in much at the time and I managed to get a couple of photos of it. But soon after that it disappeared and the next time I saw it was probably 6 months later. I have seen seen it only very sporadically, and usually just a quick glimpse in its favourite rock crevice (it always appeared in the same place). But just the last couple of days it has been out and about during the day, resting on a rock or branch and let me take photos. I have no idea what has prompted the change in behaviour, nothing has changed in the tank recently. Sadly it is nowhere near as attractive as when I first got it, still about the same length (about 3") but stockier. So probably good for smaller tanks, though until now it has been very shy and nocturnal.

Photo from February 2021:

Same pleco now:

 

[Cyberfish]

Do you know which species? Most plecos lose a lot of patterning as they grow up, and it's true for clowns as that's what I think you have. As long as he doesn't have any symptoms of anything it's nothing to worry about.

 

[Noroomforshoe]

That is still a cool fish!

 

[TClare]

Do you know which species? Most plecos lose a lot of patterning as they grow up, and it's true for clowns as that's what I think you have. As long as he doesn't have any symptoms of anything it's nothing to worry about.

Definitely L129, Colombian zebra

 

[chromedome52]

L-129 was described as Hypancistrus debilittera in 2007 by Armbruster, Lujan, and Taphorn. The pattern is quite variable (there are a lot of photos), but I can't find one with the pattern in your second photo. Are you sure that was the only Catfish in that tank? Specifically I'm looking at the caudal pattern. All the photos I can find show a caudal pattern similar to the first photo, but none where the white stripes are as narrow as they are on the second. And none shows the pattern on the body completely faded as your photo does.

As for why it has come out of hiding, he (I think it is male) may be trying to entice a mate (poor guy). That may also be the reason for the color change.

 

[TClare]

L-129 was described as Hypancistrus debilittera in 2007 by Armbruster, Lujan, and Taphorn. The pattern is quite variable (there are a lot of photos), but I can't find one with the pattern in your second photo. Are you sure that was the only Catfish in that tank? Specifically I'm looking at the caudal pattern. All the photos I can find show a caudal pattern similar to the first photo, but none where the white stripes are as narrow as they are on the second. And none shows the pattern on the body completely faded as your photo does.

As for why it has come out of hiding, he (I think it is male) may be trying to entice a mate (poor guy). That may also be the reason for the color change.

I am absolutely positive it’s the same fish, I have no other plecos or anything similar in that tank. I may have some more photos of when it was young.

 

[tinylostwine]

I have 3 L183 i haven't seen in a year luckily they are easy to sex so i know i have 2f and 1m but it will probably be another 5 years before i see them.

 

[TClare]

Mine has disappeared again today…

Must be something in the water!, I just spotted my clown pleco in the big tank, can’t remember when I last saw it but it was a long time ago!

 

[tinylostwine]

Oh man - i forgot all about my clown pleco - different tank. I have no clue if it is still alive - he's in a 180 but i haven't seen him in a solid 30 months. Hum. I shoudl look for him next weekend.

 

[cdr63corv]

I went thru a pleco phase, buying all kinds of different ones. Some expensive, my favorite being a sunshine. Came to the conclusion I won't be buying expensive ones anymore as I never get to see them. Love watching them on the rare occasion they decide to let there selves be seen but think I'll stick with the bristlenose from now on. Cheap and great algea eaters lol

 

[TClare]

I like my blue phantom best, guaranteed to see him shortly after dropping a wafer in.