L066 / L333 males or females?

[CoryWally]

Hi all your hypancistrus experts!

I bought these three as L066 and tentatively identified one female and two males. My friends on Plecofanatics suggest one could be an L333 and that all look male. Your opinions would be welcome before any unwelcome activity starts to take place! First pic is group shot with suspect female (possible L333?) on the left, definate male in the middle and probable male to the right:

Second pic is side shot of same group, although the definate male is out of shot:


Last pic is closer view of possible female - suspect L333. I know she looks a bit brown, but undisturbed in the tank she is black and white like the other two fish. 'She' is larger than the other two and has some odontodes on her pectorals - but not too significant:


Behaviour wise, the possible female and probable male have both established themselves in caves, whilst the definate male has been ousted under a pice of roof tile. This lends weight to the suggestion they are all males - I suspect.

Any views would be welcome.

Cheers,
Mark.

[Martin S]

Am no expert, but looking at your image, i 'd agree with two males and one female - the left hand fish being the female (much more rounded) and no odontodal growth.
Am sure one of the real experts will be along soon...
Martin

[I_Xeno]

i agree with that, 2 males 1 female
And i think they are L066

[CoryWally]

Guys,
Thanks for your views. I now agree that they could be 1f and 2m and they are more than likely all L066's. Now they've settled, their patterns, colouration and general proportions are very similar. They've each taken up residence in their own cave - all I ever see are three tails wagging at me! They are, however, very good at using their tails to waft food into their lairs, without needing to leave the comfort of the cave.

I'll keep you posted on any other developments. By the way, they range from 10-12cm.

Cheers,
Mark.