Sexing bristle-nosed Pleco's

[ral]

I know males have bristle's and the females don't or at least have smalls ones? How old/large does the Plec have to be before the bristles of the male become noticeable?

 

[breezer40]

I can normally tell when they get to be around 2 ins.

 

[Crookster]

As stated around 2 inches, however I have a female with bristles so it's not a %100 accurate. The best way is the odontodes on the cheeks. In english that means a male will have big spikey things coming from around the corners of the mouth and he'll show them off when he gets angry. A female will have them too but not as clearly defined.

The best way to learn how to tell the difference is to get someone who knows to actually show you. I was taught by a guy at my LFS which I trust.

Don't go to Pets At Home or Pets Mart, go to a proper fish shop.

 

[ral]

Thanks gents.

Mine is a bit more than 2" long, and he/she only has a few short 2mm bristles. Female?

 

[smithrc]

hmmm... hard one that... it could be a female but I'd be inclined to go with male.