Common Plec Lifespan

[Kaida]

Hey all,

I have a common plec, I've had him/her since about 1993, possibly a bit earlier. I was wondering how much longer I can expect him to be around. I'm very attached to him and want time to prepare myself for a possible demise from old age...

Also, I was told that you can sex plecs by the shape of the nose - more rounded nose equals female. Anyone back this up/dispute this? Any directions to pics that I can compare would be good, because we're unsure. We always called mine a him, just because, but then thought perhaps it's female because it's nose it quite round.

Kaida

 

[Durbkat]

Common plecos can live for 20 or more years. Not sure about the sexing part though. What size tank is he in?

 

[Kaida]

Common plecos can live for 20 or more years. Not sure about the sexing part though. What size tank is he in?

260 litre - about 57 UK gallons or 69 US gallons

 

[Tokis-Phoenix]

If you post a pic of him, i can see what gender he/she is for you- males usually have a longer nose and sleeker body, while females have a shorter nose and are more plump/round when viewed from above.
But yeah, common plecs can exceed 20yrs if well looked after, although some of it of course depends on genetics and other enviromental factors and stuff .

 

[Durbkat]

Well then I believe I have a female because the nose isn't that big and its really plump in the middle, so that means that I have a female right and I can't post a picture?

 

[morgan]

I think mine is a female as well going by that, definitely has a broad head and rounded body. I will have to change her name, Buster doesn't sound right now!