A close up inspection of Hemiancistrus sp. (L128)

[benny]

Hi guys,

There are plecos and there are plecos. Most aquarists treat them as scanvengers, not worthy of a second look except for those catfish fanatics. But there are more to it than meets the eye and usually, their beauty will shine though if you would give them the time of the day. What they lack in looks/colors, they make up for it in character.

Here is a series of close up photography that I did of a 9 inch matured specimen of this popular species. I will not post a full body shot of this fish as there are already plenty of good ones around.

As they says, the eyes have it. Can you see it?




Plecos do not have scales, instead, they have 'armor plates'




Aero dynamically designed caudal fins. Just look at the fine blue trimmings.




An extend dorsal fin with such beautiful markings always bring pleasure to it's owner.




Matured species usually have bristle like growth called Odontodes.

Cheers,

[benny]

Fishes do have nostrils.



If you look carefully, the hairs are actually small sharp spikes!



As the plecofanatics fondly calls it.... "chew chew" or moustache!

Hope this simple series give you guys a slight different prespective of the sucker fish.

Cheers,

[Quixotic]

Great pictures, showing another side of the fish. Use to have a couple of them.

No underside of mouth shots?

[bclee]

You could have started a "Guess what's this?"... (even better giveaway Eden 510 for winner... )

The eye really looks interesting and a little spooky.

BC

[mickthefish]

show us it's teeth benny, btw great shots as usual mate.
mick

[akoh]

Ben ! only one word ! - Champion !

[Ibn]

Love all the textures in these sharp shots. Great pics as usual, Benny.