Sexing BN Plecos

[BiGBlak]

Around what do they start growing their bristles on thier noses ? i have one that about 3.5inches long with no bristles? i just want to know so if i run across some that i can sex that i will get the opposite because i am looking right now to add another one.

[willow52]

Around 2 inches they should show some.
I have Long Fin Calicos, so I measure body length.

When I first stated with the BN, I was surprised by how long it takes them to mature.

Some times when they're posturing, getting their fins all spread out, looking gorgeous ( I mean fierce) they'll throw a bristle type looking thing by their mouth. Watch the nose... I have too many girls in one tank, and they are always squabbling

[BiGBlak]

mines about 3in and no bristles so im guessing it a girl thn i guess ill have to keep waiting to confirm this .

[Lady Hobbs]

I have two males and one female and not a sign of breeding in 3 years. Also have 10 corys in the tank and they've never breed either. What's up with that? I don't want more so it's OK with me but just strange, I thought.

I can't remember how old before they got their bristles. Doesn't seem to me it was long at all.

[Alasse]

I sex mine BN fry around 4-5cm in most cases, might get the odd one wrong, but in most cases it correct.

It is certainly strange they havent bred, you may actually have 3 males, the 3rd male could be holding off bristles due to there already being 2 more dominant males in the tank. This is what happened to my 'female' *L*

[BiGBlak]

I sex mine BN fry around 4-5cm in most cases, might get the odd one wrong, but in most cases it correct.

It is certainly strange they havent bred, you may actually have 3 males, the 3rd male could be holding off bristles due to there already being 2 more dominant males in the tank. This is what happened to my 'female' *L*
you got skillz! so since i only have one and its about 3in i most likely have a female? because there is no competition .

[Alasse]

Yep, most likely female :)

[BiGBlak]

i need to get her a mate then ASAP lol. if i can find one