Is This A Red Spotted Pleco?

[FawnN]

My local pet store told me this was a red spotted pleco... I'm not so sure.. can anyone help me confirm?  I have a feeling she is totally going to out grow my tank.  Thanks!!
 

 

[Wills]

Looks like a Gibbiceps - quite a common plec the name Red Spotted Plec can refer to a few other species though not this one, they are also quite rare species and have high price tags. Gibbiceps are usally sold for about £8 in the UK so if you paid more than $20 for it I would say you have been overcharged.
 
The other thing as you suspected, they are large growing, actually one of the largest species and can reach 2 foot in length.
 
Wills

 

[FawnN]

Thanks for the info.. I bought this one for $4.99 US.  This one looks like a female since she is quite round with a big belly.  YIKES.. I can't keep her.  She needs a new home. 

 

[Wills]

No problem, yeah they are one of the most commonly sold plecos which is rediculous as so few people can house them effectively.
 
What size tank do you have? There are tons and tons of other fish that fish the same space as this species, whether it be a fish that will suck to the glass, the big dorsal fin, the snake like pattern.
 
Wills

 

[FawnN]

I have a 45 gallon.. The fish store, which will be nameless.. told me it wouldn't get that big.  I'll end up donating back to them. 

 

[techen]

Lovely to see someone willing to rehome it so soon <3

 

[FawnN]

Ok.. donated her back to where I original purchased her from.  Sad to see her go, but she is better off with someone who can house her in a much bigger tank. 

 

[sawickib]

Just a little to add, looks like a sailfin pleco, a bit smaller than commons but still large growers! Good job on rehoming!