PlanetCatfish.com

I have what I think could possibly be a pair. They are rio de para, L75. This is a picture of the one I think is a female. She seems much plumper than the male as of late, and she has grown a little bit bigger too. Her colors have never been as bright as his, although I don't know if this is a gender thing, or just a variation between individual fish. I am posting a couple pictures of her here, and was wondering if you think this pleco is a female or not, or can you not tell from the picture? I am trying to get a picture of the possible male, so I could post the pics side by side, but he's not cooperating for the camera.

I would like to give this possible pair, their own tank so that I wouldn't have to worry about other fish eating their eggs or fry. What size breeding tank would you recommend for this species? Can I keep the fry in with the parents or is a "grow out" tank a must?

Lots of people have looked at this post, but no one has responded. I'm thinking the L75 is pretty rare since no one seems to have any information about it other than what is on the cat-elog.

L75 is not rare, but you're fish seemes quite young, so its hard to tell if its a male or a female.

Both sexes are quite simailar witch makes it even more difficult.

Perhaps if you're able to take a photo on top of the fish, it would be more easy to give a more precise responce.

But from you're images, I would say female, but she could also turn out to be a young male that haven't developed bigger ontodotes yet...

Regards
Cristoffer

I'm thinking of setting up a 20 gallon long, for them. Maybe at that point I can post a picture of both from above. Right now, both of these fish are in a six foot tank with lots of rocks, and other fish, so getting a picture isn't very easy.

I used to have some of these. Not a shy fish. To get a pic, just put some algae wafers toward the front of the tank and they should come right out to feed. I think behavior may give you the best clue on their sex until they get older for example, males sparing off for the best hideout.
Also I think you should get a couple more now. That way you will have a nice group that are of similiar age. Afterall, you might have 2 that are the same sex right now.