What type of pleco/plec do I have ?

[Rachel1320]

Hello, got this plec with the 190l corner tank I got 6 months ago, he/she (have no idea of male or female) seems a happy fellow, but does any know what type he/she is? Thank you

 

[Acorno]

Looks like a common pleco.

 

[Ichthys]

Pterygoplichthys joselimaianus, the Gold Spot Plec. One of my favourites.

 

[Rachel1320]

Ahh brilliant, had a little look into them, also known as a sailfin pleco? I've named him Dave unless I get told it's a female then it's Sharon! Cheers

 

[Ichthys]

I know a dog called Dave. Great name for any animal. I hope he’s a he.

 

[Rachel1320]

Is there any ways to tell which Dave is? Dave or Sharon?

 

[Ichthys]

From seriouslyfish…

“Comparison of the genital papilla in mature fish shows the differences in the sexes to the trained eye. In males this is a small yet thick stump which noticeably protrudes from the fish's undercarriage. In females it is less obvious and is recessed or lies flat with the body.”

 

[Rachel1320]

Thank you fellow fish forum member

 

[TwoTankAmin]

BTW- that is the exact same thing it says on Planetcatfish- either one of them copied it form the other or they both copied it from the same source.

At least with the Hypancistrus plecos I have vented I found the males has a more pointy tube while the FMd have a more blob-like, rounded one.

edited to fix typos