If it is male it will get a nice growth of bristles after a while. If it is female it will either get no bristles or very tiny ones. If the female does develop bristles it will be later in life and then only usually around the lip.

I didn't get mine at Petsmart but a different chain called Pet Supplies Plus. The fact that you got yours at Petsmart would indicate to me that they may be lying about all of their fish not being wild caught. Do you think they are breeding these guys in Florida?

Thank You! That is definitely the guy. The pet store I got him from must have gotten him by mistake. While I didn't know what it was, I knew it was different than most plecos I have seen. I am glad that I have been able to provide for him for this time.

I got this guy three years ago for 3 bucks. He has never gotten bigger. I like him.