Strange markings on my Plec

[sloth1984]

My plec was sitting still enough and near enough to the end of my tank for me to be able to take this picture.

I was wondering if anyone knew what the lighter markings on his body were?

I'm talking about the whiter parts just below his eye and on the main part of his body behind his eye???

Now i don't think it is ich (please correct me if i'm wrong!) as i've spent a while reading up on it on this forum and i also don't think it is any other disease as the markings have been there for as long as i can remember and i've had him for about 6 months now. He appears to be in perfect health, swims around quite happily, eats food ok etc. etc.

The markings are exactly the same on his other side, they're symmetrical if this helps anyone.

I've just been wondering if they are anyhing to worry about so if someone can shed any light on it then i'd greatly appreciate it.

Many thanks!

p.s. he has a huge dorsal fin (the big one on his back right?) almost sail like, and a similar tail (although they can't be seen in the picture) and therefore i think that he is a Sailfin Plec. Would i be correct in this assumption or is he just a Common Plec???

 

[J_acon]

If you say they are symetrical and he is happy, then it must be normal. call it a Birth mark? )

 

[Tokis-Phoenix]

I believe your plec is a L001 plec and not a common or sailfin plec;

http/www.planetcatfish.com/catelog/loric...rygop/177_f.php

They grow to about 8inchs long although the pale marks on your plec is often a sign he is a bit stressed- check out your water quality by testing it for ammonia, nitrates and nitrites and if that is fine, just add more cover for your plec like a cave as they are mainly nocturnal fish that prefer shady areas and open areas to swim and live in .

 

[Bloo]

If it's what I think it is, it's nothing to worry about (fab pic by the way !!!)
Sometimes when stressed or when out in the light during daytime, they temporarily develop these "camouflage" markings.

A couple of times I've noticed it on my plecs too and more often at night when the tank lights have already been off, I walk into a room and turn the light on - they are out and about chilling in the dark and as soon as the lights come on they get these white patches.
So I bet if you check tomorrow or later, they'll be gone.
(at least I hope so, otherwise I don't have a clue).

Oops I somehow missed this bit )

markings have been there for as long as i can remember and i've had him for about 6 months now

are they always the same ? never lighter or darker ?
Have you tried checking him out with the lights off ?

 

[@ombomb]

I sometimes see my Bristlenose with similar markings, on the odd occasion it's stressed (normally during tank clean ups when I move the bogwood / rock it's hiding behind) but I also think that it just changes it's markings slightly to blend in more with it's surrounding. The markings are often visable when it's on a piece of slate for example, but never when it's on a piece of bogwood.

 

[sloth1984]

Thanks for all the replies

Now you mention it they do seem to come and go slightly and as you say it is often when he's not hiding so must be some sort of camouflage thing.

Thanks again for the help, it puts my mind at rest, cheers!