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Hello Everyone,
I’m new to the forum and I recently got my hands on a F2 L260 Pleco.

I’ve never had experience with this species before, and I’d like some help with it when it comes to determining it’s sex.

Attached to this thread are some pictures I hope you find useful.

Personally, I was thinking that it’s a female.

Also, any tips in terms of care for this species? Like what they eat? What specific decor they like, e.t.c.

Thanks in Advance,
Edward

Hi Edward, welcome to Planet Catfish!

At the moment it looks like a male to me, however it looks like it could do with bulking up a bit, that would make it much easier to determine.

Once it is conditioned (well fed, and large enough to breed), a female will have a large stomach due to being gravid with eggs, and males will develop odentodes (short hair like growth) at the ends of the pectoral fins.

They require a meatier diet than you may think, it certainly doesn't survive grazing on algae. Start off with things like bloodworms, tetra prima granules, pellets containing things like shrimp, mussel, etc. If you have access to Repashy gel foods there are some which would be a good choice e.g. meat pie, or bottom scratcher.

Mine spend most of their time in caves so I would make sure there is a place for it to hide, so it can feel comfortable​ in your tank.

You can find more information following this link, .

Hi Edward,

I agree it is difficult to be sure that your fish is male or female at this time. From your first photo it appears that the fish's stomach is empty and the fish needs to be in better condition. If the body shape were trustworthy (i.e., the fish is in peak condition), I'd say male. But it could be a female that needs some good food to fatten up.

Beautiful fish. Good luck with it.

Cheers, Eric