Red Plecostomus?

A few weeks ago, I figured out why all of the new algae eaters I got kept dying: my parameters were way off! Because of this, I changed my filter and did excessive maintenance on my tank in order to make it habitable for new fish again. After a few weeks of monitoring and doing maintenance, I think the tank is finally ready for some new inhabitants.

Today, I went out to my local PetSmart and was astonished to find the strangest pleco I've ever seen (I've included a picture above for reference)! I know there are plecos out there of many different patterns and colors, but I have never in my life seen or even heard of a red pleco. Immediately, I searched on my phone for any info I could find, without many results: the only fish I found was the red bristlenose pleco, and it has a much lighter, almost orange hue compared to plecos in the store. The plecos were labeled as "Albino red-eye pleco" in the store, but their skin is much too dark to be that of an albino pleco's, being a dark red.

Since the fish looked/acted in good health, I decided to buy one of the strange sucker fish. Right now, he's currently quarantining and preparing to be put in my tank, and while I don't think that there's anything wrong with him, I would love some explanation. As you can see in the photo, he has red eyes and a dark red body, which I have never seen in any pleco. Is he an existing breed that's just difficult to find on the internet? Is this some sort of new hybrid pleco? If anyone has any info on what type of Plecostomus this is, I would love to hear it!

PS: If you can't see the photo of the fish, please respond immediately and tell me so that I may fix it.

 

Red eyes usually indicate albino in fish to my knowledge. I know the super red bristlenose is pretty popular but I am no expert in plecos.

Also may I ask what is written on the bag the fish is in? I can see the word " cigarette" and im kind of curious what the rest says lol

 

I’m following this thread, thats an interesting pleco.

 

Albino chocolate pleco ?

 

Whatever it is, it looks awesome! It looks like a dragon!

 

If i were you i would name that pleco “Coco dragon”.

 

Maybe coralbandit would know? I know he raises super reds.

 

No pleco expert but I agree with Double Dutch .
It looks like an albino chocolate .
Contrary to what many believe albino fish can have color .

 

After looking at some pictures, I'm pretty sure that it's an albino chocolate pleco with a red-eye gene. I'm extremely surprised that I managed to find such a unique fish at a PetSmart of all places! I'll probably give an update in a few weeks if he changes any. I've had alot of trouble keeping algae eaters alive in my tank in the past, so let's hope this strange little fellow will be the one that survives!

Because you were curious, Lebeeze, the complete writing on the bag is, "WARNING! FLAMABLE! DO NOT LEAVE NEXT TO OPEN FLAME OR CIGARRETE!".

 

After looking at some pictures, I'm pretty sure that it's an albino chocolate pleco with a red-eye gene. I'm extremely surprised that I managed to find such a unique fish at a PetSmart of all places! I'll probably give an update in a few weeks if he changes any. I've had alot of trouble keeping algae eaters alive in my tank in the past, so let's hope this strange little fellow will be the one that survives!

Because you were curious, Lebeeze, the complete writing on the bag is, "WARNING! FLAMABLE! DO NOT LEAVE NEXT TO OPEN FLAME OR CIGARRETE!".

A bag... full of water... is flammable..?

 

A bag... full of water... is flammable..?

I guess they meant the bag itself since it’s plastic.