Do All Plecos Have Spines?

[fishnovice]

As title -do all plecs have spines and are they dangerous? If so, how do you handle the big ones?
I've seen lots of postings mentioning spines on plecs (getting stuck in nets, etc)and many people offering plecs for sale say they can't post them because of the spines.
I have an adult L001 who is too big to net and was told by his previous owner to pick him up by hand if I need to move him. Done this a few times when moving tanks, changing substrate etc. I normally put my hand under his tummy and lift him up. He's fairly docile and easy to catch, doesn't mind being handled. His skin is vey rough and prickly but haven't seen any spines on him.
Should I wear rubber gloves when picking him up? Not keen on them as chrmicals in the rubber may poison the plec and even the whole tank

 

[snowflake311]

plecos have hard plate like scales that as you know can be ruff. But some plecos I'm not sure if they all do but they have spines behind the gills that will get really stuck in a net. But all plecos are a little prickely and can get caught. If your pleco does not mind I see nothing wrong with doing what your are to move him. People will hold them at the head to show them off.

 

[matubula]

Plecs are covered in armoured scutes and these often have sharp points on the posterior edge. Depending on the genus, plecs can develop odontodes (spines) on the preoperculum (bit before the gill cover), pectoral fins and the caudal trunk/peduncle. Panaque develop the longest preoperculum and pectoral odontodes and many of the smaller genus's (Hypancistrus, Peckoltia, Panaqolus) develop the caudal trunk/peduncle odontodes giving them a hariy look. Pseudacanthicus and Acanthicus develop large amounts of spines on their flanks and become very spikey.

I have found there are two good methods to catch/hold large plecs. Either by goading them into a bucket or plastic container or if they are too big then by hand. You have to corner them and slide your fingers under their head and belly, trying not to poke their belly, and using your thumb to apply pressure to their head. This way you avoid any spines and their tail flicking.

 

[fishnovice]

Thanks guys. My plec is L001, ot sure whAT genus but no visible spines. I'll carry on picking him up by hand then when i need to. Thanks for the tip about holding his head -yes he does flick his tail about a lot when out of the water and has very strong tail muscles!

 

[matubula]

L001 is Pterygoplichthys joselimaianus.

 

[Haych]

L001 is Pterygoplichthys joselimaianus.

in english?

lol

 

[matubula]

L001 is Pterygoplichthys joselimaianus.

in english?

lol

I dont speak greek but the genus name roughly means a fish with large fins and armour and the species name was to honour Mr Jose Lima. Or its common name would be a 'gold spot plec' if you prefer.

 

[fishnovice]

L001 is Pterygoplichthys joselimaianus.

in english?

lol

I dont speak greek but the genus name roughly means a fish with large fins and armour and the species name was to honour Mr Jose Lima. Or its common name would be a 'gold spot plec' if you prefer.

Gold spotted armoured plec with large fins - the description fits him exactly!Does this species have spines near their gill covers?

 

[matubula]

Probably not or at least not much. Pterygoplichthys in general (including my P. gibbiceps) dont develop much in the way of odontodes, there will a few stumpy spines on the pre-operculum and pectoral fins.

Dont expect anything like these like on my Panaque nigrolineatus sp. L190 (my avatar)