How to Identify Butterfly Pleco

To identify Butterfly Pleco (Dekeyseria picta), look at these key features.

Physical Characteristics

Body shape

flat

Coloration

Base color ranges from light tan to dark brown, overlaid with a complex reticulated or marbled pattern of darker brown to black lines and spots. The fins often display a similar pattern, and some individuals may have a yellowish or orange tint to their fins, particularly the caudal fin. The ventral surface is typically lighter.

Scale type

none

Mouth position

inferior

Distinctive features

Flattened body profile, especially dorsally-ventrally., Broad, wing-like pectoral fins., Intricate reticulated or marbled pattern across the body and fins., Small, odontode-covered plates on the head and body, giving a slightly rough texture., Relatively small eyes positioned dorsally on the head.

Dorsal fin

A single, relatively tall dorsal fin with a strong spine and soft rays. The first ray is often elongated in mature males.

Tail fin

Slightly emarginate to truncate caudal fin, often with a subtle filament on the upper lobe in mature specimens.

Pectoral fin

Large, broad, and horizontally oriented pectoral fins, giving the 'butterfly' appearance.

Distinctive fins

Adipose fin present, typically small and supported by a spine. Pelvic fins are well-developed and positioned ventrally.

Identification Tips

1. 1

   Body Shape

   Look for the distinctly flattened body, especially noticeable from a dorsal view, which helps them cling to surfaces in strong currents.

2. 2

   Coloration and Pattern

   The intricate, reticulated, or marbled pattern of dark lines and spots on a lighter background is a key identifier. This pattern is quite variable but consistently present.

3. 3

   Pectoral Fins

   The broad, horizontally extended pectoral fins are characteristic and contribute to its 'butterfly' common name.

4. 4

   L-number

   Often identified by its L-number, L052, which is a common identifier in the aquarium hobby for undescribed or newly described Loricariidae species.

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