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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.

Hi Redrain,

Are they just too immature or unconditioned to sex?

Cheers, Eric

bekateen wrote: ↑20 May 2023, 03:46 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

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

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

Cheers,

Jools

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.