In order to help identify plecos it is necessary to have good pictures, with good angles. Having these can help with identifying the species, sex, and genetic variation. The use of moonlights will help. Make sure to either use close-up setting or optical zoom.
1. Topview photo: This shot is important for pectoral and pelvic fin coloration. Photo tip: Remove the pleco into a clear plastic trap. Do not use a flash. Shoot the picture from above. Method two is to shoot the shot when the pleco is on a decoration or the back wall of the tank.
2. Sideview photo: This shot is important for body shape, fin type, connection between the dorsal and adipose fin, or lack there of. Photo tip: Once again the easiest method will be to remove the pleco into a clear plastic trap. Do not use a flash. Shoot the phot from the side.
3. Underside photo: This shot is important for identifying sex, and/or species. Photo tip: Turn off the lights at night, and add food. Wait for the pleco to come out, and wait for it to come to the front pane of glass. Using flash is fine, as color is not important unless there is a problem with coloration near fins, or underside all together. If you are worried about coloration due to parasite or infection use a trap, without flash.
4. Mouth photo: This shot is important for examining teeth, and odontodes. Photo tip: Same as underside photo.
5. Snout photo: This shot is important for examining the shape of the snout. Photo tip: Use the clear plastic trap again. Method two turn off the lights and add food. When the pleco comes out take the photo using flash.
6. Head profile photo: This shot is important for examining odontodes for sexing purposes. Photo tip: Use the clear plastic trap again.
Hope this helps. If you have any questions feel free to ask.
1. Topview photo: This shot is important for pectoral and pelvic fin coloration. Photo tip: Remove the pleco into a clear plastic trap. Do not use a flash. Shoot the picture from above. Method two is to shoot the shot when the pleco is on a decoration or the back wall of the tank.
2. Sideview photo: This shot is important for body shape, fin type, connection between the dorsal and adipose fin, or lack there of. Photo tip: Once again the easiest method will be to remove the pleco into a clear plastic trap. Do not use a flash. Shoot the phot from the side.
3. Underside photo: This shot is important for identifying sex, and/or species. Photo tip: Turn off the lights at night, and add food. Wait for the pleco to come out, and wait for it to come to the front pane of glass. Using flash is fine, as color is not important unless there is a problem with coloration near fins, or underside all together. If you are worried about coloration due to parasite or infection use a trap, without flash.
4. Mouth photo: This shot is important for examining teeth, and odontodes. Photo tip: Same as underside photo.
5. Snout photo: This shot is important for examining the shape of the snout. Photo tip: Use the clear plastic trap again. Method two turn off the lights and add food. When the pleco comes out take the photo using flash.
6. Head profile photo: This shot is important for examining odontodes for sexing purposes. Photo tip: Use the clear plastic trap again.
Hope this helps. If you have any questions feel free to ask.