Sexing L14

[mcaquatic]

At what size can these plecos be sexed? I have a 3 inch, 6 inch, and 7 or so L14s. Would the largest one be sexable at this size? If so, what are the best pictures to post? thanks

[magdalo]

Try to post individual dorsal shots of your Goldies while in a water basin.

[mcaquatic]

will try to get a picture of the bigger one

[magdalo]

You'll need to net the fish/es and take a close overhead shot.

[mcaquatic]

ok for all three or is only the large one big enough?

[magdalo]

The two big ones.

[mcaquatic]

will do when I have a chance

[mcaquatic]

The biggest one is in a bare bottom tank. here it is:

[magdalo]

You need to net the fish/es and place it in a light-coloured basin with 2 inches of water. Take a photo of the whole fish to determine its body and head shape. Then take a close up shot of its papilla (genital) to determine if it is pointed or rounded.
I know its a lot of work but that's how it's done.

[mcaquatic]

You need to net the fish/es and place it in a light-coloured basin with 2 inches of water. Take a photo of the whole fish to determine its body and head shape. Then take a close up shot of its papilla (genital) to determine if it is pointed or rounded.
I know its a lot of work but that's how it's done.

Thanks no one explained all of that to me. I will probably be shuffling my fish around in the next few weeks. Will do it then.

[Bellenz]

It looks like a female to me

[mcaquatic]

cool thanks

[mcaquatic]

here are the pictures as requested. Female?

[mcaquatic]

[tagamasid1023]

Looks like a thin female.

[magdalo]

Female, based on its round head shape and round papilla. Yes, it does look a bit skinny. Nevertheless, it looks beautiful!

[mcaquatic]

Thanks for the responses. Think she looks too thin?

[magdalo]

Based on the pics, I think so. Is her belly a bit sunken? What are her tankmates? What and how often to you feed her?

[mcaquatic]

If you flip her over it sinks in a tiny bit when in a natural horizontal or verticals positions not at all. She was in a 75g with thin bar silver dollars, a rope fish, small syn decorus and four geo grow outs. As of last night she is in my 125 with wide bar silver dollars, odeo pike, random syndo cat, six inch green terror and three polypterus. I typically feed my bigger stock every other day. Feed a mix of several hikari sinking pellets, raw shrimp/scallops/smelt, veggies, actually just ordered some gel foods to try. She will not feed with the lights on so I target feed her at night. Tank gets twice a week 30% water changes and is kept around 81degrees in the winter.

[magdalo]

IMO her tankmates may have something to do with her slimness. Based on my experience, Goldies are less aggressive compared to other L-number cats such as Pseudacanthicus and Leporacanthicus. Yes, they may be aggressive and territorial towards other Goldies but not towards other kinds. That's why I never placed tankmates bigger or more robust than my Goldies. Their tankmates are two Ancistrus Cirrhosus and a school of Lemon Tetras. I try center the setup towards the Goldies.You have some pretty robust tankmates there such as the pike and the Green Terror. Not to mention that there are other bottom-feeders there as well that compete for food and space in your previous 75G. This could be a factor.
Another factor could be the feeding frequency. Goldies are very voracious eaters. My group always enjoy some midday snack of some algae wafers, even with the lights on. Perhaps, they don't feel threatened or what so ever knowing that there are no other bigger fishes hovering around to eat the wafers before they do.
Try to observe her now that she's been transferred to a bigger tank. Maybe the additional space would encourage her to come out and feed more. If its still not working, maybe its time you try to shift your 120G setup towards your Goldies and separate the others.

[mcaquatic]

thanks for the input. Some of your comments were very interesting. I know a fair amount of people that keep them in mixed south/central american cichlid tanks without issue. I will start feeding her daily and put some meat on her. Honestly over all she is a very healthy fish and stunning. She is my biggest and I am growing out some others. When they all get closer in size I will rehouse everyone into L14 species only tank

[mcaquatic]

I have a nice planted 90g I am thinking about tearing down to put my female goldie in. Do you think I could fit two 10 inch goldies in a 90 (48 by 18) or would that be too tight?

[magdalo]

Others may object but I believe it is just enough for two 10-inch Goldies. Considering of course that there are no other large L-number cats in there. It also depends on how you organize everything in there. Good luck. Keep us posted.

[mcaquatic]

Right now it would be only one large Goldie and a bunch of community fish. There is plenty if driftwood. I hope to pick up a second large one soon when i can find a nice male. Othwerwise no other large plecos.

[magdalo]

That would be a great new environment for your female Goldie. Rest assured, you'll notice that she'll grow at a faster rate compared before. Good luck on your quest for a male one. Keep us posted!

[mcaquatic]

thanks will do. Went to look at ten 10 inch goldies Tuesday. Was not to sure if any where males and only one was really good looking. Will keep on looking. Pretty sure I have a six/seven incher that is a male. Waiting for him to put more size on.

[magdalo]

How much are 10-inchers? Bet they are pretty costly. Since you already have a male, you can just separate it in another and wait for it to grow and perhaps catch up on size.

[mcaquatic]

They definitely were not cheap $200. I have two vendors looking for a male for men that always gives me a fair price. I was under the impression it would take some time for my male to catch up in size? Also growing out a three incher and two one and half inchers.