Can Someone sex these Peckoltia Sabaji Adults?

[Redrain]

Hi, so one of my local stores brought in a shipment of plecos and with them is a group of 4 adult (I think) Sabaji L-075.

I want to know if anyone could spot the males from the females (if any). They're kinda expensive so I'm hoping I'm able to just get a pair.

There are 4 in total, I bought one of them already and I'll post the pictures below. If anyone could ID the sex of them that would be appreciated.

The one I already got can be a kept in a community if I'm not able to get a pair. I didn't want to risk buying 2 and then find out they're both male for example.They're kinda rare where I am so I'd like to have them.






Here are the 4 fish at the store:








After taking one out:










Here's the one that I bought (out of the same group):










I didn't see anyone with long pectoral odontodes, same for the cheek odontodes none of them struck me as male or female.

[bekateen]

Hi Redrain,

Are they just too immature or unconditioned to sex?

Cheers, Eric

[Redrain]

Hi Redrain,

Are they just too immature or unconditioned to sex?

Cheers, Eric

I don't know about that but they're at least 15cm

[stuby]

Peckoltia sabaji are very difficult to sex...... easier when they are conditioned well but still takes a good eye. Well conditioned males will have longer cheek odontodes and some on their pectoral fin. But not a lot and only slightly larger than the females...... males also have slightly larger fins than that of the female. With yours I cannot see any I would say are female.... though it may just be they are not conditioned well enough.

HTH
Chuck

[Jools]

Good info., will add that into the species page too!

Cheers,

Jools

[aquaholic]

If your unable to distinguish gender from physical differences including venting then some other suggestions would be:
* Choose the biggest and smallest fish from the group.
* Try hand stripping for milt, keeping in mind that some species have clear sperm. No milt expressed does not necessarily mean it's a female of course.
* Canulation for eggs is a possibility for those experienced enough. It's unlikely a seller will allow you to canulate fish however.
* Buy as many fish as you can. Even if you take a small loss, it's easy to onsell fish later as they are bigger, healthier and disease free. Usually you get more than you initially paid.
* With the benefit of time and observation, behavioural differences reveal gender abd become more useful then physical differences.