L184??

[macvsog23]

Hi folks

Around 6 months ago I brought 11 Ancistrus that were sold as L255 they turned out to be L184.
Some had grey/ pink spots some had large white spots and some had small white spots, all had the distinctive forked tail and the white upper tail markings.
I dropped them in a tank and awaited them to grow and sex up as they developed they started to change they spot pattern. Now I might be going mad but this pattern seems to change quite randomly. A few weeks ago I checked them for sexual development and I had 2 fine spots 3 large spots 6 grey/ pink spots.
Now I have 6 fine spots 4 large spots and 1 grey spot fish!!

Help me !!!!!

What is the reason? It seems to be across the sexes and shows no preference for size or sexual development.
I am going mad trying to understand this. Any one had L184,s / Ancistrus and seen this happen?

Regards Bob

 

[JackGillett]

Could it be the mistake of the seller and they be seperate L's? I've not seen the L184 be so different in pattern this is why I thought they could be different. At what size are they now bob?

 

[macvsog23]

3" mate
Wild caught came via Columbia from a source I trust.
I would think several different Sp if it was not the fact they change back and forth from small spots to grey / pink spots to large whit spots. no fixed pattern, they are just changing at random . but nature has no random.
Regards Bob

 

[JackGillett]

Crossed my mind that the pattern could be genetic. Just like the L134 and others. But it is interesting they change back and forth

 

[bigbird]

lol and you complain about squiglles and lines.
What I also have noticed is that the eyes are different as well.
I also find the head shape different, almost like a dekseria type flat face.
Maybe wait 6more months to see what they look like then. sorry cant help you further. Also poss L327. cheers jk :thumbup:

 

[macvsog23]

The bit that is flipping me is the tail they all have the same tail same shape same markings same pattern. At first I thought I had counted wrong but after 3 times of checking them and having them out i am now sure i cant be wrong 3 times. Evert time the ratio is different

 

[JoePlec]

lol and you complain about squiglles and lines.
What I also have noticed is that the eyes are different as well.
I also find the head shape different, almost like a dekseria type flat face.
Maybe wait 6more months to see what they look like then. sorry cant help you further. Also poss L327. cheers jk :thumbup:

L327 not possible.. Unless someone has glued a different tail on. :hi:

 

[bigbird]

have a glass of milk ? Maybe you only have one and count 6 lol.
I would say wait 6 months, if all tails seem ok then it should maybe be fine. Cheers jk

 

[macvsog23]

I agree about waiting.

Any way you look at them they are a stonking looking fish.

 

[JackGillett]

The fish in picture 3 has light patches as well as spots. The first picture it's a black fish. The bristles are also very large for the size of the fish. Could be something to go on as well as head shape. Goodluck with them bob :thumbup:

 

[bigbird]

they are nice fish indeed, so good pick up anyway. cheers jk :thumbup:

 

[xingu]

Can't offer a rational explanation for a fish being able to change spots so quickly but they are pretty little things, the first one especially.

 

[Jimmy]

Could it be a chromatophore responce to lighting levels, a fish that has been sheltered to light showing a different pattern to one that has been in a well lit position:dk:

 

[macvsog23]

Could it be a chromatophore responce to lighting levels, a fish that has been sheltered to light showing a different pattern to one that has been in a well lit position:dk:

At first i did think this because they were showing more fish with the dark grey pink spots.
Now its not so inviting a reason.
I have decided to spread them out over 3 tanks and see if they change the pattern again or if they stay the same I will treat the tanks in the same way as far as water changes, lighting, substrate, decor feeding and water quality goes.

 

[bigbird]

keep us informed. this is interesting. cheers jk :thumbup:

 

[billyjimbo]

It is a whole new species Bob - it is an Ancistruschameleoni

 

[Jimmy]

It is a whole new species Bob - it is an Ancistruschameleoni

:lol::lol::lol::lol: :clap::clap: