Variation or 2 species?

[_Sushi_]

I have (2) 5 inch plecos. I'm sure they're both in that very vague group "Common" Plecos. But I was wondering if they're the same species with variations, or 2 seperate species.

One I have raised from 2 inches, and he has a narrower head and body with a pointed nose that reminds me of a carrot < . As well as, large polka dots and an orangish tint to his body

The other, I purchased at her current size. Her head and body are wider and her nose is rounded kinda like a parenthesis ( . She also is more brown instead of orangish tan, with smaller spots that look more like freckles.

She is on the left, he is on the right. (they were in the tub, so sorry if the white washes them out or is blurry)

He is upper left, she is lower right. They were in a large tupperware container.

 

[davo]

Plecos often vary in pattern and colour within the same species.

 

[WyldFya]

Variation of the same species is what it looks like.

 

[_Sushi_]

Thanks for your help!! ^^

That's what I thought (variation) I wasn't aware that their faces could be so different!!

They're both beautiful fish, and I wasn't aiming for anything in particular, but was curious whether it was just different looks same species. ^^

Secondary question, how do you sex plecos? I don't think I have the facilities to even attempt breeding, but I'd like to know what gender they are (I'm just weird like that)

 

[davo]

It really depends on the species. However looking at yours, you'd have to wait till they are adult and see if you can determine sex by checking their papillae.

 

[_Sushi_]

Their wha?

At what size would I be able to tell?

 

[Bogwoodbruce]

I think that its just a colour variation but the one with a wider head could be of the opposite sex.

 

[_Sushi_]

Update:
The darker one's nose is getting longer, while the round faced one's head isn't really changing at all. He's still more orange than she is, but she looks a lot better color wise than when I bought her.

They're both in the 35 with the 4" piranha (the long-nosed one missed his piranha buddy, and they were actually glad to see each other!!) I would put her in with the goldfish, but I'm not even going to try that after what happened to my moor from the other one.