Sex my Pseudacanthicus sp. L97

[Simon86]

Hello all,

I've moved 3 out of my 6 Pseudacanthicus sp. L97 into a bigger tank. There I wanna feed them well and try to breed them, now as they have reached a good size

Could you please help me to sex them? They measure 5.5 - 7" without tail fin.
The whole group:


number 1 with 7":


number 2 with 6.5":


number 3 with 5.5":


Thanks in advance,
Cheers Simon

[Mol_PMB]

I am not an expert; I only have one Pseuda, an L024. But to me, all yours look male.

[smitty]

I was thinking 1 and 2 to be males and 3 a female.

[Mol_PMB]

You could well be right, smitty. 3 certainly looks 'more female' in shape than 1 and 2 in the first picture.
I'm looking at body shape (males widest at the shoulders, tapering back in a triangle, females tend to be widest in the belly area), also head shape can be an indicator. I don't think odontodes are a very useful indicator with these, but fish #3 does seem to have slightly less hairy pectorals. Even the Pseuda experts have trouble sexing them though, so don't trust me!

[Simon86]

Thanks for your replies. Personally I think 1 and 3 are female. That's why I have choosen those 3 out of my 6 specimen.
Regarding head shape I think 2 looks much more male than 1. The head is wider at front and has an angle...that's what I imagine

But best indication, which I didn't tell before, I caught number 1 and 2 several times in same cave for few nights.
I'll fill them up with mussels and shrimps now and then try to get them breeding.

Anyway further opinions are appreciated.
Cheers Simon