Peckolita sp L38?? Possible pair?

[CatBrat]

Hi all

It's been a long time between drinks, but after a 10 year break from the hobby I am getting back in to it. Now living in Japan I have access to so awesome plecos up here.

I have the opportunity to purchase what I believe is a pair of Pekoltia.
The capture location is Suriname Colonine River (that's translated from Japanese so the spelling may not be correct).

Anyone have any idea what these may be? Similar to the photos of L38. Thoughts?
Fish 1 (female?):

Fish 2 (male)

Looks like I can only upload 5 images. Man it's been awhile since I was on a forum lol.
I have one more Pic to upload.

Thanks in advance.
Jake.

[CatBrat]

The final image of fish 2:

Also thoughts on if you think this is a pair?

Thanks, Jake.

[bekateen]

Hi Jake.

Welcome back! As for your fish, in my opinion, fish #1 is female and fish #2 is male. As to ID, I have no clue.

Cheers, Eric

[CatBrat]

Cheers mate! I am not sure I am such a "Brat" any more, heading more towards a grumpy middle-aged man haha.

Thanks very much for the reply. You have confirmed both of my thoughts so far. Appreciate it!!

Cheers, Jake.

[Fallen_Leaves16]

Agree with Bekateen on the sexes. They might be L502 if they're from Suriname.

[CatBrat]

Hi Fallen leaves

Thanks very much for the reply.
Oh I hadnt seen L502. Looks pretty similar.
I assume coming out of Suriname I may be hard pushed to get a solid answer?

By the way, they have a third one available.
It seems to have a bit of a strange body shape from above. Not sure if it is just skinny, or what.
I am only able to get 2, so my thought is to get Fish 1 and 2 as a likely pair.

Fish 3

Thoughts on this one?
Cheers, Jake.

[Acanthicus]

Hi,

thats L 502 and pair. You should get them, all three. It is a rare species in trade and a single specimen staying in the shop is without any value for the hobby.
It might even be the specimen you need to breed in case one of the pair dies. Suriname imports are only going out once a year, and even though L 502 has been bred already, it sill is a rare fish to find.

[CatBrat]

Hi Acanthicus
Thanks so much for the reply.
I'm talking to the shop about availability as I had the same thought of leaving a single specimen in the shop. Unfortunately, the shop is a very long way from where I live, so popping in to see them isn't an option.

I was a bit concerned about the shape of that third fish and wouldn't want to be breeding with any genetic defects.
I might see about getting some more pictures of it and see what's going on.

Appreciate the reply.
Cheers, Jake.

[CatBrat]

Hi all

Just a quick update.
Still talking to the shop about No3, and have asked for some more photos.
They said that it is a bit skinny, hence the difference in shape.

Anyone willing to hazard a guess of sex based off the initial images?

My instinct says male just based of the head shape, but would love some more experienced advice.

I will share the extra photos when I get them.

Cheers, Jake.