sexing ancistrus sp.

[jars104]

Hi

I have a single ancistrus sp. and understand that the males of the species display head bristles, however the one I have has only a few bristles on the very front of the head/snout - right at the tip. I've seen photos labelled as female with these and males with more bristles on the top of their heads.

Can anyone clear this up for me? Trying to take a shot but I'm not very good with the camera I'm afraid (any advice greatly appreciated.

BTW I've had this one for around 6 months.


Thanks

[Silurus]

How big is the fish?

[jars104]

Hi

2-2.5 inches

[MatsP]

Generally, if they are that small (2-2.5"), anything with bristles is 90% sure to be a male.

Another trick is to look at the head "front on" (i.e. mouth down) to see if there's a ridge in the middle of the "face" of the fish. This is indicative of a male [Thanks to Janne for the tip].

It's harder to idenfity females at this size, as it's hard to tell if they are females or just not yet developed males, but the "ridge in the face" may well work in your favour.

--
Mats

[jamos]

If you are able to catch the fish......then rub your finger down the snout. If it is slippery then it is a male, if it is rough then a female!

This has worked for me!

jamos

[drpleco]

can you tell me why the females would be rough and the males not? I'm very curious and have a 2" fish that i'd like to sex. Thanks!!

Andy

[jamos]

The males are slippery because they have a slime coat over the snout where the would be bristles grow, and the females have the roughness because it is just like the rest of their body!

jamos

[jars104]

Hi Guys

I've managed to upload some photo's. Can anyone confirm ID as male ancistrus sp. pls?

http://www.planetcatfish.com/forum/album_page.php?pic_id=273
http://www.planetcatfish.com/forum/album_page.php?pic_id=275
http://www.planetcatfish.com/forum/album_page.php?pic_id=272

[Shane]

Most likely a young male.
-Shane

[MatsP]

Not only am I going to agree with Shane (no reason not to!), but I'd also like to point out that the middle picture (id=275) shows quite well that ridge in the middle of the "face" that I was explaining about in the post above.

So, get y'self a female and you'll be very likely to get some babies later on.

If you want to get good stock of these babies, you may want to try to get a fish from another shop than the one that you got this one from. Just make sure they are the SAME specie... It's less likely that another shop's fish is closely related to yours.

--
Mats

[jars104]

Thanks fellas. Wasn't sure about the ridge thing so thanks for clearing that up.

Thanks for the advice too MatsP. Will trek around more of the Essex LFS! Currently use Wet Pets in Romford mostly (they were also in PFK this month!) but might try Wickford or go back to Swallow's.

Cheers again.