Gibbies are often sold as "common plecos". Mislabeling is rampant at
the big chains. Big gibbies are gorgeous fish. To tell a little gibbie
from a common pleco, look for the spotted patterning on the fin and
back. Gibbies also have a large dorsal that's given them the name of
sailfin.



Hi,

I checked out the aquaria faqs and bookmarked it. I'll try not to ask
redundant questions in future, although it might take awhile to go
through everything. Looks like a very useful site and since it is
written, I'm assuming, at least partially by group members I feel pretty
safe taking its advice. There are some many sites and opinions on the
web - it is hard to know what is good advice and what is complete bunkum.

So thanks for that.

As for the Pleco, my final word on it is that I'm going to slowly
reintroduce algae tablets and other food as necessary to make sure I'm
not underfeeding him. I got a good look at him in the open light and my
wife and I are convinced he is indeed a leopard Gibbie. He looks
beautiful and healthy and we are going to keep him until it is no longer
healthy for him or the "tank" for him to stay. I hope after that to
find a good and "better home and garden for him". As for a replacement
aglae-eater I will then try to get a nice clown pleco who can handle the
algae but not overgrow the tank.

Thanks again for the advice (a shout out to you and everyone else that
took time to respond).

TS

--
Trevor Stenson

http://members.shaw.ca/kitschy/Digs.html
http://members.shaw.ca/kitschy/Blog/Blog.html