L236 sexes? What do you think?

[fishyregz]

I got this pair back in November and they still haven't bred yet.
They were about 7-9cm when I got them.
I reckon they are two males and wanted to double-check what everyone else thinks.
I have 3 other females and males that are definitely fff m. It's easy to tell them apart as they are mature, breeding and showing orange spots around the vent.
This pair I got in the photos I'm so unsure.
Any help is appreciated thanks.

[bekateen]

I agree the bigger fish looks male. I suspect the smaller fish might be male also, but I'm not very confident.

[TwoTankAmin]

The smaller fish isn't showing any odontile growth I can see along the body of the fish. So it may be female. You can see this on the larger fish, however. I know with zebras one may often see a black dot right below where the tube comes out. You can see this on the bigger one that looks to be a male. This is not present on the smaller fish.

[environmom]

I am sorry, I do not know the answer to your question, but what is odontile growth? I have always had good success with breeding all sorts of fish, reptiles, livestock, etc. I would love to try these plecos. Have much research to do first, that's why I'm here. Looking for good info on how to sex L236. In the 1970's my community tank unintentionally produced hundreds of bristlenose babies. My 55 gallon saltwater community tank also unintentionally produced thousands of damsel and clown fry. In the 80s I accidentally spawned my dwarf african frogs, raising hundreds and getting a knock on the door from Fish and Game after advertising them for $1 in my local paper. I guess I was reported for selling african clawed frogs.
Anyway, I would love to give these a try. Good luck to you!

[bekateen]

I am sorry, I do not know the answer to your question, but what is odontile growth?

Odontodes are small tooth-like projections growing out of the body of fish. They look like short stiff, sometimes slightly curled pins covering the posterior body, some fins, or even beside the operculum. They typically grow much larger on males than on females (if at all in females).

Cheers, Eric