Is this a male or female?

[jc03]

Hello. I've had a couple ancistrus for 2 years and they've reproduced many times. The tank is a planted 340 gallon that is also heavily wooded so I can go days without seeing the parents and I've never seen anything related to mating. I generally just see fry in the sump or juvies lurking in the tank. I've always thought this guy was the dad but everytime I see him real fat like this notice babies shortly thereafter. What I think is the female has no bristles. Is this the male or a pregnant female? Thanks.

[magdalo]

Bloated male.

[jc03]

Bloated because he's fat or sick. He seems to look like this a lot.

[magdalo]

Sick. Perhaps too much protein consumption. They are better off with vegetables (squash/zuchini) and less protein tabs such as algae wafers.