Sexing and breeding peppermints

SilverSurfer · Post by **SilverSurfer** » 14 Nov 2003, 19:43

I have 8 peppermint bristlenoses. 3 I bought 18 months ago and the other 5 six months ago, from different suppliers. All were only 3-4 cm when purchased. Of the original 3, now 10-15 cm, two of them have full heads of bristles(males) and the last one is now showing signs of bristles growing up the head(another male?). The latest 5, 5-8 cm, all have 2 little bristles on their top lip. Surely I can't be that unlucky to have 5 more males? What is the best way to sex these litle buggers? They certainly aren't no rocketships when it comes to growing either. They get fed plenty of zuccini, pumpkin, peas and dregs of bloodworm left by the Uaru they're in with. 25% water changes 1-2 times per week. What are the best conditions to keep them in? Any help is greatly appreciated.

Yann · Post by **Yann** » 14 Nov 2003, 20:50

Hi !

Could you post pictures of your fish?
In Ancistrus species it happens sometimes that female grow little bristles but not so furnish and in less numbered than in males. What species do you have exactly?
Cheers
Yann

SilverSurfer · Post by **SilverSurfer** » 15 Nov 2003, 21:14

Thanks for the reply. I dont think to much is known about specific species of peppermints here in Australia. They are just called Peppermint bristlennses. All of mine were black with small white dots over them with a white edge to their doral and tail. This white edge slowly disappears as they grow and the colour appears to be more a dark chocolate as they get older. I'll will try and get some piccies for you. Thanks again.

Adam · Post by **Adam** » 16 Nov 2003, 06:05

Have a look at this link http://pub79.ezboard.com/fperthcichlids ... =144.topic (which you'll have to paste into your browser and change the * to the proper letters ichlid) to find out more about the peppermints that are in Australia and other peoples success with them. There is some debate as to whether there is one or more species available or a number of phenotypes.

Adam

SilverSurfer · Post by **SilverSurfer** » 16 Nov 2003, 19:26

Cheers Adam.
I had a lot at the pictures. My peppermints look the same, except I will have to wait and see if there is a female in amongst them. My biggest male likes to hang in his log and do some fanning ocassionally. Just going through the motions I guess.