What kind of Pleco is this?

[Thor]

I bought it as a ”Snowball”. based on surfing the internet looks like most likely an L142 which I believe is the same as an LDA33? Could also be an L201 or L102? its between 4-5 inches now. Any experts out there can tell me what this is?

 

[L-ko]

Hi,

I think it's a Baryancistrus sp. "L 142".

L201 and L102 are Hypancistrus. This is a completely different genus that differs significantly from the Baryancistrus.

The shape of the mouth in your picture suggests a Baryancistrus. It would be better if you could still see your teeth. Baryancistrus have many small teeth. Hypancistrus only a few. The shape of the teeth is also different.
Look here: https://www.suedamerikafans.de/en/wels-datenbank/maulstudien/

Another difference is the transition from the dorsal fin to the adipose fin. In Baryancistrus, the two fins are connected by a skin (although this can also be torn). In Hypancistrus both fins are clearly separated.

Take a closer look at the pleco in this regard.

Greetings
Elko

 

[Thor]

Thank you Elko, very informative and appreciated!