AQUAPEDIA / PLECOPEDIA
The Pleco and L-number atlas
Plecos.
Identified with evidence.
Explore scientifically named loricariids, historical L-number codes, regional forms, captive morphs and original breeder histories. Research is preliminary.
SEPARATE IDENTITIES FROM TRADE CODES
Names are not pedigrees.
Historic L numbers can point to one species, different described species may share an L number, and captive color morphs need their own provenance.
SOURCE-BACKED DRAFT DIRECTORY
Plecopedia library
L046 — Zebra Pleco
Formally described in 1991. Distinctive light body with black longitudinal stripes. In wild habitat, occupies narrow rock crevices in oxygenated Xingu rapids. Historical label L098 has also
L098 — Historical Zebra Pleco identifier
Hobby references associate historical L098 with Hypancistrus zebra L046. Maintain L098 as searchable code/appearance entry, not another formally described species.
L066 — Hypancistrus seideli
The 2025 original species description places L066, L236, L287, L333, L399 and L400 under Hypancistrus seideli. Different historical appearance codes are not independently described species.
L236 — Hypancistrus seideli
The 2025 original species description places L066, L236, L287, L333, L399 and L400 under Hypancistrus seideli. Different historical appearance codes are not independently described species.
L287 — Hypancistrus seideli
The 2025 original species description places L066, L236, L287, L333, L399 and L400 under Hypancistrus seideli. Different historical appearance codes are not independently described species.
L333 — Hypancistrus seideli (King Tiger)
The 2025 original species description places L066, L236, L287, L333, L399 and L400 under Hypancistrus seideli. Different historical appearance codes are not independently described species.
L399 — Hypancistrus seideli
The 2025 original species description places L066, L236, L287, L333, L399 and L400 under Hypancistrus seideli. Different historical appearance codes are not independently described species.
L400 — Hypancistrus seideli
The 2025 original species description places L066, L236, L287, L333, L399 and L400 under Hypancistrus seideli. Different historical appearance codes are not independently described species.
L174 — Hypancistrus yudja (Ozelot)
Formally described in 2025. Recorded in deeper (~15–40 m) lateritic rock formations, within the Belo Monte affected stretch; authors report severe conservation concern. Not a captive-selecte
L200 — Baryancistrus demantoides (Green Phantom)
Formally described in 2005. Dorsal-fin membrane extends to join adipose fin, distinguishing it from Hemiancistrus subviridis. Both have appeared under the L200 trade code, but are different
L200 — Hemiancistrus subviridis (Green Phantom)
Described separately from Baryancistrus demantoides in 2005. Lacks the dorsal/adipose fin membrane connection. Historical L200 label applies to both species; identify by morphology and prove
L018 / L085 / L177 — Gold Nugget
Gold Nugget plecos associated with multiple historical L-number descriptions; keep locality, spot appearance and trade code as separate specimen metadata rather than new species. L081 associ
L260 — Queen Arabesque
L260 is a specialist hobby identifier for Queen Arabesque. Avoid treating it as an independently described scientific species or synonymizing it with visually similar forms absent a taxonomi
L183 — Starlight Bristlenose
A distinct bristlenose species, often mislabeled as ordinary domestic Ancistrus. Confirm dorsal-ray counts, seam coloring, and source locality in full specimen dossiers. Eschmeyer’s Catalog
Ancistrus captive morph — Super Red
Selection for red/orange pigmentation; no original creator or inheritance ratio verified. Common domestic bristlenose stock is often taxonomically unresolved; do not automatically label it A
Ancistrus captive morph — Albino
Loss/reduction of dark pigment in domestic bristlenose phenotype; genetic mechanism must be evidenced per line. Common domestic bristlenose stock is often taxonomically unresolved; do not au
Ancistrus captive morph — Longfin
Fin-length selection in domestic Ancistrus, not a distinct wild L-number or standalone species. Common domestic bristlenose stock is often taxonomically unresolved; do not automatically labe
Ancistrus captive morph — Calico
Multicolored domestic bristlenose phenotype; color-pattern segregation and lineage require breeder logs. Common domestic bristlenose stock is often taxonomically unresolved; do not automatic
Panaque / Panaqolus — Wood & diet evidence
Research on wood-feeding loricariids warns against assuming these fish can digest cellulose efficiently enough for wood to be a complete ration. Food requirements vary with genus and species
Breeder history — Ingo Seidel
The authors of the 2025 Hypancistrus seideli description named the species in honor of Ingo Seidel for decades of work on Hypancistrus care, breeding, books and lectures. Honorific naming do
L-number / LDA — Identity & provenance guide
DATZ introduced the L-number scheme in December 1988 for loricariid identities. LDA was a separate aquarium-publication scheme. Historical numbers, named species, geographic populations, tra
L134 — Leopard Frog Pleco
Oliveira, Zuanon, Rapp Py-Daniel and Rocha described this species in 2010. Broad body crossbars and a narrow pale line inside the dark head stripes help separate it from Peckoltia vittata. L
L047 — Mango / Magnum Pleco
Formally described in 2011. Adults retain a comparatively broad pale/yellow band along dorsal and caudal-fin edges. Compare with Baryancistrus xanthellus, whose distal yellow areas become re
L034 — Medusa Pleco
A distinctive broad-headed, flattened, rheophilic bristlenose. Juvenile pale spots generally fade with maturity; visually similar L255 retains spots into adulthood. ZooBank traces the 1994 o
L255 — Spotted Medusa Pleco
Spotted broad-headed Ancistrus resembling L034. Unlike A. ranunculus L034, pale spots persist on mature L255 specimens; L255 is not automatically a formal scientific description. The L-Welse
L029 — Galaxy / Vampire Pleco
Recognized as L029 in specialist guides. Known from rocky fast-flowing habitat; high dorsal area and enlarged upper jaw teeth distinguish its genus. L007, L240, L241 and L294 are similar cf.
L007 — Leopard Vampire Pleco
L007 is commonly compared with Leporacanthicus galaxias L029 but has larger light spots and distinguishing proportions. Specialist profile leaves it as cf. galaxias; never silently merge int
L102 — Snowball Pleco
Dark body with large pale spots; smaller head spots than body spots. Distinguished from H. contradens using dorsal-fin reach and differential spot pattern. Not a breeder-origin snow-white co
L114 — Leopard Cactus Pleco
Trade fish from Demini often resembles P. leopardus, originally described from Guyanas Rupununi drainage. The cf. identification is intentionally provisional; do not conflate with L600 or cl
L104 / L162 / LDA022 — Clown Pleco
Three historical trade codes L104, L162, LDA022 refer to one recognized scientific species. Originally named Panaque maccus; modern valid combination Panaqolus maccus. Several individuals fr
L162 — Historical Clown Pleco alias
Searchable historical alias L162 and LDA022 of the L104 clown pleco. This is NOT a second species. Link evidence back to original taxonomy and record-specific trade code.
L014 — Sunshine / Goldie Pleco
Described from Ilha da Fazenda, Rio Xingu. Sunshine/goldie pleco has distinct golden-toned fins and spotted dark body; original taxon is Scobinancistrus aureatus, not a Panaque strain.
L190 — Royal Pleco
Current scientific species name for the royal panaque; originally described as Chaetostomus nigrolineatus. Market L190 labels may include uncertain geographically differentiated stock; check
L204 — Flash / Flash Panaque
Formally described by Lujan, Steele and Velasquez in 2013. Thin light markings on black base separate this taxon from the mostly brown-based Panaqolus maccus.
L075 / L124 / L301 — Sabaji Pleco
Recognized described species, historical codes L075, L124, L301 and LDA002. Alternative genus placements occur in older literature; the current identity needs scientific-source precedence ra
L199 — Hypancistrus furunculus
Formally described in 2007. Has oblique bars towards anterior body and horizontal bands in dorsal fin. Do not confuse with spotted H. inspector or all King Tiger trade morphs. The 2007 origi
L052 / L168 — Butterfly Pleco locality debate
Specialist catalogue associates both historical codes with Dekeyseria picta, while experienced hobbyists have discussed geographic differences and mix-ups in imports. Related synonym Dekeyse
L203 — Titanic Pleco
A large royal-type Panaque formally named in 2010, known historically as L203 / LDA065. Do not classify as the same species as royal L190 solely on appearance. The 2010 original revision rec
L129 — Hypancistrus debilittera
Described alongside H. furunculus and H. lunaorum. Hobby code L129 refers to a described Hypancistrus and should not be confused with provisional L201 or Xingu H. seideli forms.
L201 — Snowball-type unresolved identity
L201 trade usage is distinct from L102 H. inspector. Some early hobby images sold as L201 were later identified as H. contradens, but modern specialist indexes still list a separate Hypancis
Breeder field report — Karsten S. / L183
In a firsthand October 2008 specialist forum report, breeder account Karsten S. noted initial L183 spawning around 15 months of age and 12 cm length. This reports his own stock only, not a u
L002 — Tiger Panaqolus (provisional)
PlanetCatfish lists L002 as Panaqolus sp., not a formally described named species. This identifier must not be treated as a separate breeder-generated stripe strain or automatically merged w
L024 — Pseudacanthicus pitanga
Described in 2015, characterized by dark zigzag lateral markings, orange-red fin rays and an unspotted abdomen. Do not confuse with Xingu L025, which has ventral blotches. The L-code is a hi
L025 — Scarlet Cactus / Pseudacanthicus pirarara
Original 2016 description distinguishes it from Tocantins L024 with dark marks also present on its head and underside as well as orange-red fin rays. Specialist trade name Scarlet Cactus app
L027 — Panaque armbrusteri (Tapajós)
Formal 2010 revision describes a distinct large striped Panaque from Tapajós. The separate L027 'Xingu' and 'Tocantins' trade population labels appear as Panaque cf. armbrusteri in specialis
L027a / L027 Xingu — provisional Royal Panaque
Specialist index lists Xingu form separately as Panaque cf. armbrusteri, including L027a. A geographic seller label is not an independently described taxon, domestically selected line or gen
L030 / L016 — Spectracanthicus punctatissimus
2014 taxonomic revision explicitly maps L016 and L030 to this formally described species. Small yellowish dots and rounded dorsal snout profile distinguish it from several congeners. Do not
L031 — Parancistrus nudiventris
Formally described in 2005. Has unplated belly and blue-looking spots, unlike plated-belly P. aurantiacus. Observations found rocky-rapid grazing on algal periphyton with small invertebrates
L037 — Hypostomus faveolus
L037 mapped to named H. faveolus by specialist L-number index. Its range in original examined museum material spans several northern Brazilian drainages. Code is not proof of a captive-selec
L041 — Guyanancistrus brevispinis
L041 refers to a valid genus/species name that moved through historical combinations Lasiancistrus and Pseudancistrus. A geographically structured brevispinis complex has been discussed; pre
L056 — Golden Broad-headed label is WRONG
2019 BSSW research traces original DATZ L056 to an undescribed fish from Rio Araguari (first issued 1990). Aqualog reportedly mislabeled the already-described P. aurantiacus with L056 in 199
L067 — Pseudancistrus asurini
Formal description separated Rio Xingu P. asurini from Teles Pires P. kayabi. Medium-sized juveniles have whitish distal margins on dorsal and caudal fins. First publication history notes ea
L017 — Wolverine / Pseudancistrus historical mix-up
2021 Hopliancistrus revision describes H. wolverine with fine yellow dots and five branched anal-fin rays, but explicitly notes original early 'L17' depiction was a Pseudancistrus later desc
L020 — Spectracanthicus zuanoni
Described in 2014 from Xingu specimens. Large white spots and relatively large eyes distinguish from S. punctatissimus L016/L030 with much smaller yellow dots.
L073 — historical alias of L004
Specialist L-number index maps L073 to Hypancistrus sp. (L004). Some hobby catalogs report L004/L005 juvenile or related forms; relationships are provisional and not a formal species synonym
L074 — historical alias of L002
Specialist index resolves the historic L074 entry to Panaqolus sp. L002, already represented by an earlier Plecopedia entry; this is an alias, not a new described species. Specialist L-numbe
L081 — Gold Nugget trade crosswalk (caution)
Specialist index maps L081 to B. xanthellus, but the 2011 original description specifically documents L018, L085 and L177 types. Keep L081 code sourced to specialist catalog and do not attri
L082 — Scobinancistrus raonii
2023 original description converts the historical L082 to S. raonii. Broadly spaced large yellow irregular blotches differ from densely spotted S. aureatus L014; lacks the latter's broad ora
L086 — Spectracanthicus tocantinensis
2014 original genus revision describes Tocantins species with small yellow spots; differs from Xingu S. punctatissimus in snout profile, teeth and orbital osteology. Historical L086 is mappe
L091 — Three Beacon Pleco
Named species first described from Caño Mavaquita; taxonomic epithet refers to 3 branched anal-fin rays, versus 4 for congeners. Do not conflate with Leporacanthicus galaxias / L029.
L096 / L160 — Spiny Monster Cactus Pleco
CAS recognizes a formally described P. spinosus; specialist hobby index applies historical L096 and L160 to this species. Do not interpret codes as separate named species.
L239 — Blue Panaque is actually Baryancistrus
Original 2009 description documents dark body with living blue sheen and a ridge/keel above the pectoral fins. It is Baryancistrus, not genus Panaque; the hobby's Blue Panaque common name is
Breeder report — Christophe Girardet L025 spawn
First-person article published 14 May 2009 describes obtaining 3 mature wild-caught L025 in 2008; male guarding eggs in a cave, egg disturbance from cichlid tankmates, and significant losses
L027 Tocantins — provisional Panaque population
Specialist index preserves L027 Tocantins as a cf. form distinct from nominal P. armbrusteri of Tapajós and separately labeled Xingu L027a. These may be historical collections, not verified
L001 — Gold Spot Sailfin Pleco
Originally described as Glyptoperichthys joselimaianus in 1991. Historical L001 and L022 are trade aliases for one taxon. This is a large sailfin pleco, not the small L-number cave-breeding
L022 — L001 Gold Spot trade alias
Historical L022 code maps to the named Pterygoplichthys joselimaianus also known as L001. Searchable alias does not add another scientific species.
L021 — Common Sailfin / Amazon Pleco
L021 and L023 are hobby codes for one scientifically described sailfin catfish. In invasive populations belly spotting sometimes overlaps with P. disjunctivus, so do not identify hybrids or
L023 — Historical alias of L021
L023 was assigned historically to P. pardalis just like L021. Do not count two numbers as two different species; exact collection origin needs supplier-specific evidence. Specialist Cat-eLog
Pterygoplichthys pardalis vs disjunctivus — ID and invasion
2025 research notes that P. pardalis commonly shows spotted abdomens whereas P. disjunctivus has a vermiculated ventral pattern; real populations contain intermediate phenotypes and molecula
L059 — Ancistrus hoplogenys, not L183
L059 is linked by specialist catalog to valid A. hoplogenys. Historically misidentified as L183 A. dolichopterus; L183 usually has more soft dorsal rays (9) and an often conspicuous pale fin
L128 — Blue Phantom, unresolved Hemiancistrus
Distinct in hobby identification from green L200 H. subviridis and hifin L200 Baryancistrus demantoides; L128 tends to a blue-green ground and different juvenile fin edges. Taxonomic species
L015 — Candy Stripe / Peckoltia vittata
Older named Peckoltia vittata is associated with L015. Different from Tapajós L134 Peckoltia compta, which has a pale stripe inside dark longitudinal snout bars; not safe to mix based on com
L398 — Tanke Tiger Pleco, described species
The 2016 original species description explicitly cites L398 (NOT L397); diagonally angled pale/dark bars differ from similarly barred P. maccus and P. claustellifer. COI sequences were compa
L397 — Tangerine Tiger, not L398
The specialist Cat-eLog continues to register L397 as Panaqolus sp. L397, a provisional trade form distinct from the formally described L398 P. tankei. Similar striping is not evidence of sy
L306 / LDA064 — Panaqolus claustellifer
Formally described 2016 as a barred Panaqolus; the L306/LDA064 trade labels are supported by specialist review. Dark body bars and the distinctive orientation of dorsal fin bands separate fr
L212 — Hopliancistrus tricornis
2021 genus revision explicitly connects L212 to tricornis; it has four branched anal-fin rays and comparatively large pale trunk spots, unlike Xingu H. wolverine with five anal-fin rays and
L144 — The original lost Paraguay bristlenose
PlanetCatfish's documented 2015 historical review distinguishes an original yellow, amelanistic Paraguayan male imported in early 1990s, bred with imported females, from today's ubiquitous b
Ancistrus Lemon / Blue-eye yellow captive line — false L144
The modern yellow/blue-eye domestic Ancistrus marketed as L144 differs from the original Paraguayan fish in pattern/fin tips/size. One reported mitochondrial DNA match to domestic bristlenos
L600 — Unofficial commercial label for Leopard Cactus
Historical specialist review reports the designation 'L600' was a commercial label that was never officially allocated by DATZ. True P. leopardus differs from Rio Demini L114 and Jatapu L427
L427 — Jatapu Leopard Cactus form
Specialist account traces L427 to DATZ November 2009. Juveniles resemble L114 from Demini but may darken greatly as adults; L600 commercial usage for P. leopardus must not be collapsed with
Pseudacanthicus nyktos — described 2024 Xingu species
2024 original description documents a dark body with pale gray vermiculate spots on dorsal and ventral surfaces and fins, lower maximum tooth counts and distinctive osteology. Do not assign
Breeder report — Marina Parha & George J. Reclos L046
Their firsthand 2009 breeding account includes a long acclimation/colony history, male cave guarding, about 10–20 eggs per reported clutch, and later spawning under differing tank conditions
Breeder history — Andreas Tanke & L398 (2008)
Formal 2016 taxonomic authors named Panaqolus tankei in honor of Andreas Tanke, with qualified wording about his probable first reproduction. His own lecture description reports spawning and
Panaqolus nix — wild color plasticity, not a fixed morph
Original 2015 description documents many small pale spots and strong naturally variable base pigment, from near-white/pale brown to almost black. Specimens changed darkness in captivity; thi
L004 — Angelicus Hypancistrus index
Specialist Cat-eLog groups L004/L005/L028/L073 as undescribed Angelicus Hypancistrus forms with differing import-locality histories. A medium spotted appearance or the invalid trade name Pec
L005 — Angelicus developmental trade alias
Specialist dossier treats L004 as a juvenile appearance of L005 with shifts in spot size as animals grow. The numeric label is not a genetically documented separate species. Seriously Fish i
L028 — Portel/Guamá Angelicus geographic form
The L028 code has a different attributed collection stream from L004 and L005 although specialist catalogue groups them in the Angelicus Hypancistrus complex; do not equate shared species-co
L011 — Xingu Red Fin Thresher
Historically labeled Hypostomus emarginatus, Squaliforma emarginata, and now often Aphanotorulus emarginatus complex. Original type locality uncertain; L011 identifies Xingu stock and is NOT
L035 — Araguaia Red Fin Thresher
L035 is a historical geographic Red Fin Thresher label often combined with L011/L108/L116 in broad specialist profiles. Competing catalogues have different genus and species-level decisions;
L108 — Napo Red Fin Thresher
The L108 geographic fish is widely compared with Xingu L011 and Trombetas L116. Historical grouping is not proof of full molecular identity for all imported lots. A species-specific later ca
L116 — Trombetas Red Fin Thresher
L116 was used for Rio Trombetas fish within the emarginatus/thresher complex. Competing sources apply a provisional species or genus placement; do not silently rewrite it as a formally resol
L131 — Tapajós Red Fin Thresher
Specialist field/trade history lists L131 as a distinct historic river-label inside the thresher complex, alongside L011, L108, L116 and L153. A code for local specimens is not a scientific-
L153 — Apure Red Fin Thresher
Specialist summary associates L153 with a Venezuela shipment in the emarginatus complex, but genus boundaries and some remote population identities remain debated. Not safely identical to Xi
L083 — Xingu sailfin taxonomic conflict
Independent detailed historical review warns against automatically synonymizing L083 with L165 gibbiceps: L083 Xingu sailfin specimens are reported with a finer vermiculated/net pattern, and
L165 — Pterygoplichthys gibbiceps
The 2017 expert historical crosswalk supports L165 as gibbiceps from the Rio Negro region, while L083 Xingu form is taxonomically contested. Large dorsal fin and ornate body markings are not
L191 — White Tail / Green Royal Panaque provisional
Scientific named Panaque titan is the Napo L418. Recent trade records call Colombian L191 Panaque cf. titan but this comparison is NOT proof the L191 fish is a scientific synonym. Juveniles
L330 — Watermelon Royal locality population
Retail specialists may call these Panaque nigrolineatus laurafabianae, whereas older sources retain Panaque cf. nigrolineatus; scientific synonym/subspecies status needs taxonomy review. Do
L418 — Shampupa Royal Panaque titan
Formal 2010 revision describes P. titan; specialist Cat-eLog assigns L418. This is the nominal species, while L191 from Colombia is frequently compared as cf. titan, not an established direc
L106 — Spotted Orange Seam Pleco
Original 2005 scientific description diagnoses orange dorsal/caudal margins combined with spotted or unbanded dorsal and tan lateral areas. Commonly mapped L106. The similar L122 requires sp
L122 — Orange Seam relative, provisional
Specialist profile compares L122 with described L106 H. guahiborum and notes differing profile, with possible relatedness but no secure species synonym. Retain L122 provisional instead of fo
Peckoltia amjikin — 2025 taxonomic correction
A 2025 integrative taxonomy description establishes P. amjikin from museum material once assigned Peckoltia vittata. It uses cheek odontodes, dark head blotch characters, and molecular Cytb
Breeder field note — apistomaster, F1 L134 (2010)
In dated first-person report the keeper says two-year-old F1 L134 females spawned when paired with older wild males, with reported fry batches around 15 versus 25 from their older wild femal
Breeder field note — davej L134 spawn (2011)
Describes purchasing a dozen L134 from Rich of CanadaPleco in July 2010, switching cave configurations and observing male fanning late March 2011. Account reports first clutch of 26 fry, pho
Controlled research — L333 King Tiger breeding trial
Aquaculture International paper DOI 10.1007/s10499-024-01720-z used 56 fish distributed among 120-L breeding aquaria in four sex-ratio treatments (one male with one to four females). Across
L274 — Baryancistrus isaaci (formally described)
The 2025 original paper directly maps historical L274 to this distinct species. Distant large yellow dots often larger than pupil, an at least partly plated belly and absence of a yellow dis
L384 — Baryancistrus quilombola (formally described)
2025 original description directly associates prior trade L384. Closely crowded large pale/orange spots and naked abdomen distinguish it from plated-belly B. isaaci L274. Named in honor of l
L274 — Historical Baryancistrus trade alias
Original 2025 taxonomic treatment lists Baryancistrus sp. L274 in the formal synonymic history of B. isaaci. Keep search redirect L274 to named species record; it is not a second scientific
L384 — Historical Baryancistrus trade alias
The 2025 original description explicitly connects historical DATZ code L384 to named B. quilombola, another Trombetas species distinct from L274/B. isaaci. The species-specific catalog pairs
Baryancistrus hadrostomus — Jari River
The 2019 Copeia paper describes this species from the Jari river with gray-black body and small, widely spaced white points. Do not confuse with similarly spotted B. micropunctatus or Trombe
Baryancistrus micropunctatus — Jari River
Described together with B. hadrostomus in 2019; has a spot pattern compared with B. longipinnis from the Tocantins, not the widely spaced-dot pattern typical of hadrostomus.
Baryancistrus longipinnis — Tocantins
Recognized named taxon with comparatively subtle light dots and a plated abdomen; the original Baryancistrus identification key differentiates from B. isaaci using dorsal-fin membrane length
L026 — Baryancistrus niveatus
Original genus type was based on the named B. niveatus; specialist old L026 usage must be checked against actual specimen characters. The 2025 Baryancistrus key notes exposed opercular odont
Peckoltia wernekei — Ventuari (2016)
ZooKeys formal original compares former Orinoco Peckoltia vittata lookalikes. Three black bar-shaped upper-lip markings resemble a moustache; genetics and tooth-count/shape analysis separate
Peckoltia lujani — Orinoco (2015)
Recognized formally in ZooKeys 480 based on Orinoco materials, one of three new saddled Peckoltia. Sister taxon P. wernekei differs in dentary tooth angle and abdominal markings; similar bar
Peckoltia greedoi — 2015 saddled species
Formally described in 2015 among three saddle-patterned Peckoltia. Original morphometric comparison reports greedoi comparatively narrow overlap with other Peckoltia body shape; do not equat
Peckoltia cavatica — Rupununi
Original Zootaxa diagnosis describes orange border to dorsal fin and thin black lines following head plate boundaries, differentiating from P. braueri and vermiculated P. vermiculata. Peckol
Hypancistrus contradens — not official L201a
2007 original separates large white body spots (larger than nasal opening) from finer-spotted H. lunaorum; 'L201a' is a later unofficial hobby shorthand, not a formally assigned L number.
Hypancistrus lunaorum — small spot diagnosis
One of four Hypancistrus described in the 2007 paper. Spots on body smaller than nasal aperture separate lunaorum from contradens; inspector differs by spotted head ratio and dorsal fin reac
LDA08 — Ancistrus claro
CAS Eschmeyer's catalog recognizes species described in 1999 from Rio Claro and the LDA08 hobby association. Bristlenose appearance is insufficient to identify generic domestic Ancistrus as
L126 — Lithoxancistrus orinoco
Eschmeyer's Catalog lists Lithoxancistrus orinoco as valid. Original description dates 1988; it moved through Pseudancistrus and was subsequently revalidated. Specialist historical L126 is a
Guyanancistrus nassauensis — Nassau mountain dwarf
The 2018 PLOS integrative taxonomy paper distinguishes very small adult specimens with four branched anal rays, broad mouth and tooth cups. Restricted small-stream distribution raises mining
Guyanancistrus brownsbergensis — Brownsberg
Distinct 2018 formally named stream specialist with five branched anal rays; compared with Nassau dwarf, has smaller tooth cups and different peduncle proportions. Wild locality is highly re
Guyanancistrus teretirostris — Parú de Oeste
2018 type from upper Parú de Oeste distinguishes this rounded-snouted species using head/body proportions, fin lengths and COI markers. Different from slender tenuis of upper Jari. The indep
Guyanancistrus tenuis — Mapaoni Jari
Type published in 2018 from Pará, Brazil. Relatively slender depressed body and a diagnostic barcode set distinguish it from the other Guiana Shield species. Species-specific specialist reco
Guyanancistrus megastictus — Alama Maroni
Only two original described specimens from small tributary in Mitaraka mountains, with very large pale spots and a strong light caudal bar; molecular sequence and anatomy support distinction
L267 — Ancistrus yanesha, formerly trade L267
Original J Fish Biology description crosswalks L267 to named Ancistrus yanesha. Black fine vermiculations on head and two–four black longitudinal lateral stripes diagnose it; it honors the Y
L267 — Historical trade code for Ancistrus yanesha
Specialist BSSW directly links the original DATZ L267 from 1998 with the 2023 online description Ancistrus yanesha. This is a searchable identifier redirect, NOT an additional valid species.
Hypancistrus parkateje — Tocantins 2025
Original diagnosis shows a dark E-shaped snout mark, long cheek odontodes, three anterior oblique dark bars, and a multigene phylogeny grouping it with Xingu H. zebra apart from an Orinoco c
L159 — Ancistrus luzia, formal 2022 description
Original Neotropical Ichthyology description explicitly crosswalks L159 to A. luzia. Fine dark vermiculated body lines and a fully developed adipose fin distinguish it from A. parecis/tombad
Ancistrus leoni — flattened 2019 species
2019 Zootaxa revision names leoni, a flattened form with snout odontodes arranged in a narrow central column, small white body spots and distinct dorsal saddles.
Ancistrus kellerae — densely yellow-dotted
Formal 2019 revision distinguishes kellerae within spotted yellow-white Ancistrus from patronus/nudiceps and from flattened leoni. Named in honor of Constance Templeton Keller, not a breeder
Ancistrus patronus — named paternal-care reference
Named in 2019 as one of the white/yellow-dot Ancistrus. Patronus alludes to guarding fathers, but the species name does not itself document individual spawning measurements.
Ancistrus amaris — wide-jawed 2019 species
Original 2019 revision groups this species with yutajae among wide-jawed forms; A. amaris has reduced male snout tentacles versus several congeners, not a selected domestic morph. The 2019 G
Ancistrus yutajae — wide-jawed 2019 species
One of six new named 2019 species. Body and jaw morphometrics separate it from A. amaris and spotted species; naming derives from indigenous/oral traditions rather than an ornamental breeder
Ancistrus saudades — Proto-Berbice population split
Original 2019 revision relates its wild distribution to Proto-Berbice river-capture history and documents about 7% mtDNA Cytb divergence from A. leucostictus across the Rupununi Portal. Gene
Hypancistrus phantasma — archival Rio Uaupés
2016 ZooKeys description diagnoses tan body with small dark spots rather than dark ground with light dots. Type series largely based on 1924 collected museum specimens. The name cannot be as
Hypancistrus margaritatus — Takutu spot pattern
Named in 2016 with dense light spots on dark base; original holotype has consistently sized spots near nostril diameter, unlike larger contradens or smaller lunaorum patterns. Exact identifi
Hypancistrus vandragti — former Micracanthicus
2011 described as Micracanthicus vandragti with small black-and-white-spotted fish and protrusible lower jaws; Eschmeyer currently recognizes Hypancistrus vandragti. Historic genus transfer
Pseudolithoxus stearleyi — formerly Soromonichthys
Described alongside the then-named Micracanthicus vandragti in 2011. Green coloration, tiny yellow-gold head spots, thin body bars and unusual naked snout plate pattern differentiate this ra
Ancistrus maldonadoi — 2020 Madre de Dios
Original 2020 paper distinguished maldonadoi from greeni by larger eye, deeper caudal peduncle and longer adipose spine while retaining uncommon unicuspid teeth shared by both species. The s
Ancistrus greeni — redescription 2020
2020 paper redescribes greeni, an Ancistrus with unusual unicuspid teeth. The original epithet replaced an occupied older maculatus name; unlike maldonadoi it has relatively smaller orbit me
Ancistrus parecis — adipose-free Tapajós
2005 scientific description reports loss of adipose fin and replacement by a low row of mid-dorsal plates, with tentacles in adults. Different from L159 luzia, which has a developed adipose
Ancistrus verecundus — upper Madeira
Original description distinguishes absence of adipose fin and less-developed snout tentacles compared with A. parecis; dorsal midline plates form a low postdorsal ridge. A. verecundus was de
Panaqolus gnomus — upper Marañón dwarf
Original described as Panaque gnomus and later placed in Panaqolus; CAS Eschmeyer accepts Panaqolus gnomus. Not the same as L104 P. maccus or L398 P. tankei simply because barred. Panaqolus
L329 — Panaqolus nocturnus
Named in 1993 as Panaque nocturnus; specialist Cat-eLog maps L329 to the valid Panaqolus name. Historic genus reassignment is not an aquarium mutation.
Pseudoqolus koko — originally Panaqolus koko
Original 2012 Guiana Shield paper described Panaqolus koko with dark near-uniform coloration and unusual bifid spoon-like teeth. CAS Eschmeyer currently places it in Pseudoqolus; both combin
Chaetostoma sacramento — 2024 ornate rubbernose
The 2024 original scientific description consolidates the historical L455, L456 and L457 appearances into one named species. White irregular spots or vermiculations on head and body, two pre
L455 — Chaetostoma sacramento historical form
The 2024 type-description discussion explicitly documents L455 together with L456 and L457 as historical descriptions of variable wild color pattern in what is now C. sacramento. The species
L456 — Chaetostoma sacramento historical form
Original 2024 work groups L456 with L455 and L457 across naturally variable appearance of the same taxon. Separating the alias is solely for hobby code search and redirects. The specialist c
L457 — Chaetostoma sacramento historical form
The formal 2024 paper unites historical L457, L455 and L456 under Chaetostoma sacramento. Spot and fin-mark variations must not be elevated to separate genetic species. The specialist catalo
Panaqolus orcesi — Napo basin 2024
2024 primary taxonomic description draws on MEPN museum fish including 2006 holotype. Relatively fine, dense light dots on dark head/body/fins differ from the wider sparser dots of P. pantos
Panaqolus pantostiktos — Tigre basin 2024
The original 2024 description fixes the holotype in a 1989 Tigre basin MEPN collection and distinguishes this species from Napo P. orcesi by larger less-dense pale body spots and specific pr
Pseudancistrus zawadzkii — Tapajós 2014
Original ZooKeys 2014 holotype MZUSP 115056 and molecular phylogeny place this species in P. barbatus group, marked by enlarged snout odontodes and differentiated pale spots; compare Guiana
Pseudancistrus barbatus — Guiana Shield group
The named P. barbatus anchors the Pseudancistrus barbatus group. The 2014 revision compares its hypertrophied snout odontodes with Tapajós P. zawadzkii and Guyana Shield relatives. The speci
Pseudancistrus corantijniensis — Corantijn
The 2014 comparative key explicitly distinguishes this named species from P. zawadzkii using pale spot pattern, snout odontodes and body proportions. The species is not a commercial shade mu
Pseudancistrus depressus — Guiana Shield group
Listed among distinct compared members in the 2014 Pseudancistrus barbatus-group original description. The paper uses character combinations to separate it from the Tapajós species P. zawadz
Pseudancistrus nigrescens — barbatus group
The 2014 revision lists this named species among P. barbatus-group relatives. Snout odontode arrangement and spotted body characters are taxonomic diagnoses, not proof of artificial breeding
Lasiancistrus tentaculatus — Orinoco
Original 2005 genus revision describes males with small membranous tentacules along snout margin, distinguishing them from other Lasiancistrus with whiskerlike snout odontodes. Abdomen unpla
Lasiancistrus saetiger — Rio Guamá
Original paper describes a Rio Guamá species with unplated abdomen, large white head spots, black outlining of body plates and unspotted gray dorsal/caudal fins. Lasiancistrus saetiger was d
Lasiancistrus schomburgkii — synonym-rich taxon
2005 systematic revision treats earlier Lasiancistrus pictus, castelnaui, caquetae, guapore, multispinis and scolymus as synonyms, not separately valid species; high variability in abdominal
Lasiancistrus caucanus — trans-Andean group
The 2005 genus revision grouped planiceps, mayoloi and volcanensis under L. caucanus; this dated treatment was revised using morphology and DNA in 2023. Emarginate rather than forked tail an
Lasiancistrus guacharote — Lake Maracaibo
The 2005 revision retained L. guacharote and treated maracaiboensis and mystacinus as synonyms; its broader trans-Andean classification was revised in 2023. A few abdominal platelets near pe
Lasiancistrus heteracanthus — type of genus
2005 revision preserves the formal species and type of Lasiancistrus; relatively extensive small abdominal plates help separate from the unplated tentaculatus and saetiger. The Catalog of Fi
Panaqolus changae — Itaya/Momón barred dwarf
Originally described as Panaque changae in 2002; has six–twelve trunk bars with light interspaces at least as wide as darker stripes, versus fewer/thicker dark bars of P. maccus. The species
Panaqolus purusiensis — Purus barred dwarf
2014 redescription confirms a named taxon that often retains wide dark bands with narrow pale interspaces; compared with P. changae, gnomus and maccus, and documents wild specimens from ston
Pseudacanthicus major — giant Tocantins cactus
Original 2018 scientific description identifies exceptionally large Pseudacanthicus with a dark brown unspotted body and white transverse bands on dorsal and caudal fins. Distinct from L024
Pseudancistrus sidereus — generic-placement dispute
Original 2004 description uses a special lateral-plate keel and pale dots centered on plates. Later molecular work showed the broader 2004 Pseudancistrus grouping included unrelated clades;
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