Bristlenose female or male?

[Cassiez]

Hi,

I did post about this bristlenose a couple of weeks ago. I had a hunch it was male when bought as female.
Since a couple of weeks ago, his/her bristles have grown even more. And grown on his/her head - which by my understanding would mean it was male but I’m no expert so wanted to check to see what others thought.
Would you still say it was a female or am I right with my hunch, is it a male?

Thank you in advance!

 

[Slaphppy7]

Male....and sorry to say, emaciated looking...

Do you have DW for it to munch on?

 

[PlasticGalaxy]

Male. Females only have bristles around their mouths, whereas males have bristles all over their heads.
Looks pretty malnourished like Slaphppy said, though.

 

[Cassiez]

Male....and sorry to say, emaciated looking...

Do you have DW for it to munch on?

Oh god, really? Thank you for replying.
He eats so much - far more than another I have that’s triple his size. I’ve never given my bristlenoses driftwood and they have been fine but I’ll definitely be getting some if he doesn’t look healthy!
Does he even look malnourished in this photo? I just want to check it wasn’t the terrible photo angle (I was trying to get his bristles more in the last ones). And could this have happened in the 2 weeks I’ve had him or would he have been like this before? I feel really guilty if it’s my fault!

 

[PlasticGalaxy]

Oh god, really? Thank you for replying.
He eats so much - far more than another I have that’s triple his size. I’ve never given my bristlenoses driftwood and they have been fine but I’ll definitely be getting some if he doesn’t look healthy!
Does he even look malnourished in this photo? I just want to check it wasn’t the terrible photo angle (I was trying to get his bristles more in the last ones). And could this have happened in the 2 weeks I’ve had him or would he have been like this before? I feel really guilty if it’s my fault! View attachment 133920

Most plecos could do with some fattening up to be honest, but it's important that bristlenoses have some bogwood/driftwood to gnaw on to keep them happy and healthy.

 

[Cassiez]

Most plecos could do with some fattening up to be honest, but it's important that bristlenoses have some bogwood/driftwood to gnaw on to keep them happy and healthy.

Thank you, I’ll look into getting some for him.

 

[Slaphppy7]

See here, do get him some DW as soon as possible: https://theaquariumadviser.com/do-plecos-need-driftwood/

Be sure you are feeding him some good sinking pellets, and blanched veggies, as well

 

[Cassiez]

See here, do get him some DW as soon as possible: https://theaquariumadviser.com/do-plecos-need-driftwood/

Be sure you are feeding him some good sinking pellets, and blanched veggies, as well

I will definitely, already on my way to my local aquatics store!
And he does get fed pellets and veggies. As I said he eats far more than my other which is massive.
Thank you for your advice

 

[Slaphppy7]

I will definitely, already on my way to my local aquatics store!
And he does get fed pellets and veggies. As I said he eats far more than my other which is massive.
Thank you for your advice

More than welcome.

 

[DoubleDutch]

Is it fed protein as well (bloodworms, brineshrimp, shrimppellets). They are omnivores.

In contrary to Clown plecos driftwood isn't must for BN's but they appreciate it (mainly as hiding spot)

 

[PlasticGalaxy]

Is it fed protein as well (bloodworms, brineshrimp, shrimppellets). They are omnivores.

In contrary to Clown plecos driftwood isn't must for BN's but they appreciate it (mainly as hiding spot)

Not sure if this is a "must" in general, but I always have a nice cave or hunk of driftwood in any tank with catfish or loaches. Just puts my mind at ease.

 

[ghyti]

Definitely a male. Bristlenoses )Ancistrus) are omnuvores. They need to eat almost constantly. Get some Zucchini and drop a chunk in there for him to eat. Replace the zucchini 24 hours later. If it is all gone in 24 hours use a bigger piece the next day. Be sure there is always something in there for him to eat. The cited article is very misleading, Ancistrus species do not require driftwood to survive despite what some "experts" say.

 

[PheonixKingZ]

I concur with the above, a male.

I also recommend driftwood, as it helps them digest food.

What brand of food are the pellets?