Bristlenose Plec Question

I'm going to guess a male because of the length of the belly area, though a picture of him in a straight position would be better. It appears there might be the start of tiny stubs around the mouth, when you look very closely do you see them? Do you see a spot on the back of the head that appears to be slightly darker than the rest of the head? How old is this one?
 
David can you see the big difference in the length of these female's dark belly areas. Now most of these are carrying eggs, some more than others which pushes that area up more. But even without being this full of eggs, the females dark belly area does not extend down as far as the males. It's easier to tell male from female in the light colored plecos using this method. With the browns, it's better to get a look from the top down at the shape of the sides. Males are tapered through the sides much more. On the browns, unless you're looking in person it's hard to tell from a pic exactly where the dark area ends.

female plecs.jpg
 
Thanks Debbi,

I see your point Debbi, here I thought I had Female.
I had this BN of a month, he is about 2.5 inches in total length.
I do not see the dark spot on the head.
Will try to get some more pics, not easy.
lol

David
 
Don't anyone shoot me if I'm wrong, I'm making my best guesses from pics from what I have been able to observe working with them. A single pic is the hardest. Much easier when you're viewing them in person. But I'm always happy to take a look at the pics and give it a good shot. The things I evaluate are shape of the belly against the glass, shape of mouth and midsection of the body from the top down. I spent hours watching mine as they grew to notice differences. My male L144's were extremely slow to show any bristles, and by the time they did, I already knew what they were.
 
Debbi, we will go easy on you!
lol
Here are some more shots of the same BN.
Hope they help.

343.JPG 342.JPG 339.JPG
 
It's a boy David. I have no doubt. I will mark up your pic and show you the last evidence I see. Congrats! You need to find a lady now!

I have circled the "boy spot" on the back of the head. The older he gets, the darker it will get. When he's ready to breed, it will be very dark and obvious and stay that way.

343.JPG
 
Thanks Debbi, good thing I asked, thought it was a lady.
lol
Learned something new today!

David
 
pinkertd said:
David can you see the big difference in the length of these female's dark belly areas. Now most of these are carrying eggs, some more than others which pushes that area up more. But even without being this full of eggs, the females dark belly area does not extend down as far as the males. It's easier to tell male from female in the light colored plecos using this method. With the browns, it's better to get a look from the top down at the shape of the sides. Males are tapered through the sides much more. On the browns, unless you're looking in person it's hard to tell from a pic exactly where the dark area ends.
Click to expand...

And I thought my long fin looked great!

Those are beautiful!
 
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