Panaque L191, 55 gallon with Convicts

[matubula]

do you know what exactly is good for helping grow odontodes? is it age?

Nope, just a healthy fish and good water I guess. One of my 23cm/9" L190 began growing them whereas my 32cm/13" L190 never grew any, even though they were in the same tank. My 40cm/16" had loads when I bought it and continued to grow. But for some reason a couple of months ago all it's pectoral odontodes fell off. They are now growing back again. Strangely his operculum odontodes have always remained.

Another thing I've noticed is that when the odontodes first grow they are very dull, grey/black in colour. But they start to whiten at the tip as they age, eventually becoming all white. I think this is because they essentially 'die' and the blood vessel is cut off.

 

[elting44]

Shop owner said it was a L333, Golden King Tiger.

He was asking 49.99, it looked to be a little under 2"

Is that a fair price? Keep in mind I am in the middle of Kansas with few options other than shipping.

this source claims they get 5.5", does that sound about right?

Will they eat the convicts' eggs? Fry? I wouldnt mind the latter.

It also seems they require soft water and low pH. My tap water is pretty hard and has a pH out of the tap is 8.0+, although I keep my tank around 7.4

Thanks in advance for the info

 

[elting44]

Bump

I am thinking the Golden King Tiger is out, my water is prolly way too hard and I have read that they are somewhat reclusive.

Someone help me make an informed decision:

The criteria I am looking for: Somewhat active, will tolerate temp of 79 degrees, ph 7.4-7.6, will eat uneaten brine shrimp and blood worms.

Also, will be housed in a 55 with a pair of breeding convicts, so a max length of 8-10 inches. If it would eat wrigglers or few that would be a bonus.

I know you pleco enthusiasts know a L that will fit my needs

 

[theunytedone]

Nope, just a healthy fish and good water I guess. One of my 23cm/9" L190 began growing them whereas my 32cm/13" L190 never grew any, even though they were in the same tank. My 40cm/16" had loads when I bought it and continued to grow. But for some reason a couple of months ago all it's pectoral odontodes fell off. They are now growing back again. Strangely his operculum odontodes have always remained.

Another thing I've noticed is that when the odontodes first grow they are very dull, grey/black in colour. But they start to whiten at the tip as they age, eventually becoming all white. I think this is because they essentially 'die' and the blood vessel is cut off.

Thanks very much!
My 6in royal is starting to have some, and yes they are black in color!, and so is my 8in watermelon...however my 10in watermelon doesnt...

 

[elting44]

Bump.

What about a Three-beacon Pleco (L91) are they readily available or rare and expensive?

The LFS also has a "Red Hi-fin" pleco that looks like a sailfin/gibbiceps? I like the look of this fish, but if it is in fact a gibbiceps I will pass (24" is too big )

Is Red Hi-fin a common name for a different pleco that isnt a sailfin/gibby?

 

[braaandooon]

i think L91 would be perfect for your situation, ive never had one, but most leprocanthicus act about the same, i had a nice sized L07 and that plec seemed to get to the food before the cichlids, not sure how active you want your pleco to be, most active pleco ive ever owned is a L14 goldy pleco they would also do good cleaning up after your cichlids, but mine seemed to stress easily over being picked on, where as your leprocanthicus and pseudocanthicus plecs will fight back

 

[elting44]

Hmm, I wonder if my LFS can get them in, and how much he would charge. Rapps has them @ 45.00 for 5-6", other sites are asking 64-75.00.

So galaxy/vampires (L007) would also fit my needs? I will have to inquire the LFS about them as well.

Thanks

 

[Linus_Cello]

Bump.

What about a Three-beacon Pleco (L91) are they readily available or rare and expensive?

The LFS also has a "Red Hi-fin" pleco that looks like a sailfin/gibbiceps? I like the look of this fish, but if it is in fact a gibbiceps I will pass (24" is too big )

Is Red Hi-fin a common name for a different pleco that isnt a sailfin/gibby?

I bought a "dragon fin" variety of a 3-beacon Pleco (L91) that was labelled as a "red hi-fin." These are rarer than the regular 3-beacon. That's the pain with common names; they all get misused. Mine generally hides in the back.

Here's a pic from PC: http://www.planetcatfish.com/catelog/image.php?species=leporacanthicus+triactis&image_id=3539

 

[Allan01230]

Ther are many lepocanthicas and pseudacanthicas fish that will do well in a 55. Only thing those plecos are all expensive espicially large ones and convicts are very available and very cheap. Why would you want a $50 dollar (average price) pleco get picked on by some super cheap convicts which are tough cichlids. I would take the cons back to the shop and get some geophagus cichlids which will not bother the more expensive plecos.

 

[elting44]

Ther are many lepocanthicas and pseudacanthicas fish that will do well in a 55. Only thing those plecos are all expensive espicially large ones and convicts are very available and very cheap. Why would you want a $50 dollar (average price) pleco get picked on by some super cheap convicts which are tough cichlids. I would take the cons back to the shop and get some geophagus cichlids which will not bother the more expensive plecos.

Yeah, that is an excellent point. I do not want to spend 50 dollars on a fish only for the cons to harass it. Even though convicts are cheap, I am fond of mine, and will not part with them.

I am looking for a pleco to help eat uneaten food, clean a little algae, add some variety to the tank, but be able to withstand some agression. The last thing I want is to introduce a fish to my 55 only to have it beaten to death.

I have kept cichlids and plecos (commons, or what I assumed were) together before with no incidents of violence, just mostly flaring and territorial chasing.

If lepocanthicas and pseudacanthicas can't co exist with Cons, I will look for another route.

I am just asking questions and trying to eductate myself, before I spend any money or endanger a fish