Let us face it that is all the L Number system is now a substitute for common names.
I fully agree with this. But despite it's shortcomings, at least it helps put us all on the same page and suffices as a short hand for scientific names.
Derek, if you have the 'Back to Nature' book you may have already read this but it says that Hypostomus sp. paraguay is "by far the most common." And from the book, the main difference between Hypostomus cochliodon and Hypostomus sp. paraguay (Bob, wouldn't an L number been so much easier there? :lol
is spots.
And is usual for me, whilst writing this response, I found some more information which makes what I've just said irrelevant :clap: But rather than start again, I'll just continue .
I've just scanned through Jonathan Armbruster's paper on the Hypostmus cochliodon group.
"Hypostomus cochliodon can be distinguished from all other members of the H. cochliodon group by its almost entirely brown coloration with ventral half of dorsal plate row and dorsal half of supramedian plate row slightly lighter than lower rows form- ing a tan stripe, and spots, when present, small and widely placed (vs. spots usually well- developed and closely placed). Unlike most other members of the H. cochliodon group,
H. cochliodon can also be entirely dark brown with no spots anywhere on the body (other members of the H. cochliodon group may be very dark, but will retain spots on fins or the abdomen)."
Well anyway, here's mine, which is probably now Hypostomus cochliodon (which has spots on it's dorsal fin).
Derek, I seem to remember you like this group of fish, PM your email and I'll send you a copy of the paper.
