Page 1 of 1

Orange Spotted Edged Fin Pleco

Posted: 19 Jan 2011, 23:12
by jellymonster
Hi Guys,

I'm wondering what type of Plec I have.

Also, how can you tell its sex?
IMG_0049.jpg
IMG_0050.jpg
IMG_0095.jpg
I will try and get better pictures next time it comes out to play =)

Re: Orange Spotted Edged Fin Pleco

Posted: 19 Jan 2011, 23:20
by MatsP
I know, I know (in a childish, excited voice...)



Edit: Sexing isn't the easiest. I suspect your fish is a male, but best way to tell is to either inspect the papillae ("genitals") - pointy bits = male, blunt bits = female, or the width of the head: Narrow head is female, broad head is male. I find the latter a better method, but it basically assumes the fish is on a light-coloured background, and it works best if you have several fish of different sexes.


Once settled, it will come out very nicely for a mussel or prawn "treat".
IMG_0565.JPG

--
Mats

Re: Orange Spotted Edged Fin Pleco

Posted: 19 Jan 2011, 23:34
by jellymonster
MatsP wrote:I know, I know (in a childish, excited voice...)



Edit: Sexing isn't the easiest. I suspect your fish is a male, but best way to tell is to either inspect the papillae ("genitals") - pointy bits = male, blunt bits = female, or the width of the head: Narrow head is female, broad head is male. I find the latter a better method, but it basically assumes the fish is on a light-coloured background, and it works best if you have several fish of different sexes.


Once settled, it will come out very nicely for a mussel or prawn "treat".
IMG_0565.JPG

--
Mats
Genious =D

that's it =D

I've had it a while now (4 or 5 months maybe?), it does come out often enough but it seems to prefer the dark.

I also found that after a blackout I did last month it had gone a much lighter brown. And after having the lights on as normal it went much darker.

Re: Orange Spotted Edged Fin Pleco

Posted: 19 Jan 2011, 23:42
by MatsP
Yeah, they are quite good at changing colour. I've got a group of five, in a fairly dark tank. And aside from tails and sometimes the odd dorsal, not much is showing during lights on. But given them a treat, they do come out and munch...

Tescos have a deal on for mussles 3 for 2, pack of about 600g -> 1800g mussels for £6. One mussel every other day per fish or so. That'll keep you going...

How big is it? And roughly where do you live?

--
Mats

Re: Orange Spotted Edged Fin Pleco

Posted: 20 Jan 2011, 09:34
by macvsog23
Hi

A fantastic fish very easy to keep given the right conditions.
The pattern on the dorsal fin is I have been told a method to attract a mate in the dark water and the caves they enjoy living in.