toughchicken Posted August 17, 2005 Report Share Posted August 17, 2005 Hi I have a Red Pleco approx 15cm long and do not know how to tell if it is a male or a female. We also have a bristlenose which is smaller and when it comes to food the red pleco can be a bit aggressive - so have assumed that the pleco is a male. Can anyone throw any light on this? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CatBrat Posted August 17, 2005 Report Share Posted August 17, 2005 There is no known sexual dimorphism in this species, or any of the other large "common" species of pleco's. The only method that I think should work is to take them out of the water and have a look at there genitalia. But even then you would need a few to compear the realitive size and shape. Hope this helps... Cheers, CatBrat. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Faran Posted August 17, 2005 Report Share Posted August 17, 2005 You mean this guy from your album? I'm figure out what you meant by "red pleco" and I'm assuming you mean Red Spot, right? If so, there's not much point (if you're thinking about breeding) as they require big tunnels in mud dams/riverbanks to spawn and they get along no matter what the sex is. And as catbrat said, it's hard to tell unless you know what to look for and have a few to compare with. He's the resident pleco smartie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
toughchicken Posted August 17, 2005 Author Report Share Posted August 17, 2005 Oh yeah I meant red spot pleco. Temporary moment of stupidity - that'll teach me to proof read my posts before I place them. Oh well there goes that idea of getting another to breed with - oh well. We love him or her anyway Thanks guys for your words of wisdom. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Caryl Posted August 17, 2005 Report Share Posted August 17, 2005 Hey, if you think it is male then treat it as such. I am sure the fish won't mind Give it a name that is sexless and you can't go wrong :lol: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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