Pleco Biologist talks Pleco Evolution (The Phylogenetics of Loricariidae)

[@clayt101]

I would like more information on a phylogenic the on the phantom plecos: Hemiancistrus subviridis (L200), Hemiancistrus sp. (L128) and Baryancistrus demantoides (L200). It is neat that 2 species would come together and look that similar (the L200's). I am also interested in the differences between Baryancistrus xanthellus and Baryancistrus chrysolomus.

[@FreshwaterIchthyology]

There isn't a phylogeny including L128 but it has been suspected even by the authors of the description of H. subviridis and Baryancistrus demantoides that they are the same as H. subvivirdis. If you look at the paper featured in the video Hemiancistrus subviridis is most closely related to Baryancistrus beginni, and the next species to branch out is Baryancistrus demantoides. This is the description for Baryancistrus chrysolomus and Baryancistrus xanthellus: www.scielo.br/j/ni/a/D8CbfVnFtrgqkPkrnv5RMjr/?lang=en# So this will have the exact details. They are extremely similar, there is even a green variant of B. xanthellus not described in the paper, it doesn't appear in the trade though. Generally if green it'll be B. chrysolomus, if it has that dark base with yellow/white spots it's B. xanthellus. I think B. chrysolomus is slightly broader and deeper bodied personally.

[@alternativeaquascaping517]

Aw yeah, i love phylogenetic videos in general and there are essentially NONE on Aquarium fish and its so frustrating! 😡

[@FreshwaterIchthyology]

Phylogenetics is so fascinating, there are scientific papers but I think most people focus too much on plant ecology opposed to the actual fish biology and evolution.

[@Uathankicks]

Nerd shit ⬆️ when you say you don’t have to use genetics.. your referring to how biologists used to make phylogenetic trees based off morphologic features…? Would be cool to see one relating to all Siluriformes

[@FreshwaterIchthyology]

Yes, using morphological features. They used to be more common, I've done two I think one for Callichthyidae and one for Ancistrus. I would say if done properly they actually can be really great and saves a lot of money needed to sequence DNA.

[@MrGrombie]

What happened to you? You dipped out of no where.