Gender Dimorphism in Pterygoplichthys scrophus

[Dreamsing]

I've got a Rhino Pleco (Pterygoplichthys scrophus) and I'm wanting to know how to tell if it is male or female. So far I've had no luck hunting on my own so I was wondering if anyone here could tell me how to tell a difference without disecting my precious fish. Needless to say, I don't want to know that much.

What should I look for? I can get pictures if anyone wants to help me figure it out.

Thanks

 

[Warborg]

As with all Pterygoplichthys there is no easy way to sex them. I suppose common rules apply. Females tend to be fatter then males. Also like other Pterygoplichthys, the Rhinos need mud ponds for breeding, so sexing is for the most part pointless in a glass tank

 

[Dreamsing]

I'm mostly just curious. It's a decently plump fish, but then again it is the only rhino I've seen in real life so I've nothing to compare it to. There are really no external characteristics to distinguish males from females?

 

[Greez]

I cant help but I would like to see some pics

 

[Dreamsing]

I cant help but I would like to see some pics

Then pics you shall have.

 

[Greez]

very cool, I saw one of those at my LFS and wondered what kind it was

Thanks for posting, GL on finding out about its sex.

 

[Jakob]

Very nice Rhino pleco.

 

[Allan01230]

To me it looks female. Some plecos that have a short body from the dorsal to the tail are sexed this way. Just a guess though but a very nice specimen you have there.

 

[Blackwood's]

very cool. i want one in my tank