Peppermints

[BECKIN1507]

Hi, I have just bought a peppermint, was wondering if any one has any pics of a male and female so I can try and see what mine is. I know they're hard to breed but I thought I'd get another one and if they did breed that would be great but I'm not worried if they don't.
Cheers

 

[macvsog23]

Hi

If you’re referring to L030 or L031 then you have a task ahead.
Both follow the same rules as to regards sexing body size and how hairy the pectoral fins are. I tried to breed the L030 as they are the smaller fish of the two.
I brought a small group of 15 and sorted them out as they grew. Finally selecting two females and one male.

L030 http://www.planetcatfish.com/catelog/species.php?species_id=1807

The first pectoral fin ray of the male is somewhat thicker than that of the female. Males in breeding condition further develop their spine-like ''odontodes'' on this ray. The male has a slightly broader head than the female, best observed from above.
I had lots of caving and mating behaviour but no eggs.
I tried every trick I knew to get them to spawn but no luck.
If you have L031 then your need a rather large tank as they grow to a large size.

L031 http://www.planetcatfish.com/catelog/species.php?species_id=189


I had lots of caving and

 

[BECKIN1507]

I think it must be L030, I didn't realise there was 2 types, I know it doesn't grow that big. I'll try and post a pic in a bit and see what you think. It does look like its got little spikes on the first fin. Only picked it up yesterday, but like him that much that I want to go get another 1 before they sell out. Can't see them breeding but worth a try.
Thanks

 

[macvsog23]

Most L Numbers are males they cave more in the wild so are easy to collect.