Male Of Female

[minniemouse]

Does anyone know at what age a male bristlenose will start growing bristles? I have two and there both about 4 to 5in in length form tip of nose to tail. Thanks.

 

[Hero]

Does anyone know at what age a male bristlenose will start growing bristles? I have two and there both about 4 to 5in in length form tip of nose to tail. Thanks.

From what I've read, and I may be wrong, both you your bristle nose are females. I believe if they are male the bristles start to develope at a younger age... ofcourse someone will correct me if I'm wrong.

 

[xingumike]

I think you have over estimated the size of those for a start, although the veiltail mutation will add some length.

if they are that size then both female

 

[smithrc]

I think you have over estimated the size of those for a start, although the veiltail mutation will add some length.

if they are that size then both female

agreed - they aren't that size yet.

From the pics they look like they should at least have started to develop bristles - and I'd risk it and say they are both female.

 

[helterskelter]

They look quite small from the pics to small to truly sex that is.

Some fish will take 18 months to mature but generally you should be able to sex them from 8-12 months old which in general is 3-4" in size

 

[darkwolf29a]

The long fin does make them look a bit different. Those look like 3 inches maybe. They should start growing soon though, if you do have males.

 

[Elaine2]

My bristlenoses - both male - started developing bristles when they were about 2" long. One developed them very quickly and the other took ages, so I thought the latter might be female for a while.

 

[smithrc]

My bristlenoses - both male - started developing bristles when they were about 2" long. One developed them very quickly and the other took ages, so I thought the latter might be female for a while.

yep - you'll find that the dominant male will develop quicker that the rest.