Got a pleco question… can different L numbers breed???

Often times on some of these fringe L number fish… you know the ones that there are 4-5 fish with different numbers, that can be hard to tell apart… wondering if they might often breed…specifically my Gold Nugget, where there are 5-6 different L numbers that look similar… I wouldn’t mind getting another couple, just to maybe breed later, but there is no guarantee that I’d get the exact same L number fish…. Thoughts???

Buying looks like this…

Close up of this picture, looks like 2 different size spots on these fish, in the same tank

I'm still new to the pleco game, you need someone like @CassCats , @TwoTankAmin @Naughts or @DoubleDutch for this question, I'm afraid! Sorry.

I do know that some can cross. My L181's are basically a "fancy bristlenose". So are my "white snowball" ancistrus and long fin Green Dragons. Line bred variations that could hybridise if in the same tank and right conditions.

Thinner seam on the fins points more towards L085/L177. They could very well hybridize, so make sure to get the same types

Seems a daunting task when mail ordering fish… and I think there can be significant lifestyle/ diet differences between a couple of these, even though they look similar…

Magnum Man said:

Seems a daunting task when mail ordering fish… and I think there can be significant lifestyle/ diet differences between a couple of these, even though they look similar…

Click to expand...

If you use a reliable source, you should be okay. When the fish arrives and can be put in clean (temp acclimated & declhorinated) water, put it into a see through container to snap photos from the sides, above, and ideally below as well. Try to get a clear shot of the dorsal, because counting the dorsal rays can tell some species apart. If you've ordered a certain species and your baby looks wrong, remember that juvenile colouration can change a good deal once mature, and check out pics for "your L number species, juvenile" to see.

Planet Catfish and the catfish section here are good for ID-ing them!

Knowing from own expereince, those L-numbers can crossbreed with another and have fertile offspring.