L128, or L200 sexing

[Catsaholic]

Does anyone know how to sex L128 (or L200)? I was trying to find an info but it seems to be unavailable. :confused: Will appreciate an advice.

[Hitch]

its pretty much the same as other plecos. Males have slender body and longer odontode growth

[Catsaholic]

Thanks a lot. Big Al's just got bunch of L128, and I'm thinking about getting couple. I'll try to use your advice.

[Hitch]

best of luck :)

[jackson]

What Hitch said plus males have a much wider head. The ones scarb just got in are huge and can be sexed.

[Catsaholic]

Thanks a lot! My friend has one L128 and I will buy another. We will try to breed them. I have 20 gal spear tank. Will it be enough for breading?

[Hitch]

good luck breeding...

not sure what the size of the L128s are....but a 20gal is too small for 2 adult L128s

[CanadaPleco]

20 gallon is way to small for 2 adults, especially for a breeding attempt. Breeding them will be nearly the same as L200's there is a good thread on that at planetcatfish.com He has a 200ish gallon tank, and they are breeding a few times a year.

[jackson]

I agree with both of the above.

You will need a 60gal just to house them. They are at least 6'' from what I can tell.

[Catsaholic]

Thank you very much for the advice. You made me rethink my approach to plecos. I think, I have too many of them and too little space. Problem is, I'm completely taken by they beauty, and can't pass the opportunity to get another one when I see it.
But help me understand: the rule of thumb is 1 gal per 1" of fish. Why do I need at least 60 gal to keep two 6" plecos?
Thank you in advance,

Irena

[Hitch]

for plecos....the rule of 1 inch per 1 gallon doesnt apply, since it only uses the bottom 2 inches of tank.

also, plecos are quite aggressive animals (well to themselves), so they each need space to establish their territory. Just the same as why a 20 gal can only fit 1 pair of german blue rams, but with the 1g/1" rule, you should be able to fit at least 6.

oh, and a L128 will grow to sizes of 9 inches, with the L200 being a bit bigger.

[Bwhiskered]

The rule of thumb 1 inch of fish to a gallon of water only applies to keeping them. The larger area a fish has the more likely it will breed. You may never know what battles occur in your tanks after the lights go out. Breeding plecos need lots of room.

[jackson]

The 1'' rule of thumb is outdated crap information that does not apply to any fish. I for one would never follow that made up rule. Some fish produce more waste than others and some fish require more territory than others.

Best way is to limit how many fish go in to your tank depending on the size and potential size of the fish.

Like one of my tanks it a 150gal and I have 5 fish in it LOL but then I have a 35gal with 13 fish in it as so it really all depends on the fish.

[Catsaholic]

Guys, thank you so-o-o much! I definitely need way more room (I mean, my plecos need it). Well, will start another 33 gal this weekend.
__________________________________
Irena's plecos:

Albino BN
Long fin albino BN
Long Fin BN
L091, L052, L124, L134, L172A, L190, L200, L204.

[Hitch]

your very welcome....best of luck with the tank