there's a few pot caves but those are occupied by a couple of rams, but even when there were no other fish in the tank (almost a year alone) it always stayed under the driftwood.

Thanks for helping. Now I have a couple of decisions to make.

I almost never see the pleco. He/she is always under the driftwood. Very mellow and shy, I've only seen it raise its dorsal when extremely stressed (during moves)

so is there a way I can find out for sure... without going to a vet or something.
I tried looking at the "area down south" and did not see any spotting like the males usually have, but I couldn't get close enough to be definite about it.

Kinda changes things now, so I need to know semi-soon.

What size is your fish? You said he is 3y/o? Shoot me a pm with what you want for him.
Larry

He is atleast 3 years old. That is how long I have had him. I didn't get an actual measurement on him, but it's really close to 3" in the length. Since I've already gotten a couple of inquiries, I'll go ...

Well, thanks! I figured "he" was a he.
Now knowing the current state of finding them, I may consider putting him up for sale so he can help increase populations! Since I will NEVER find a female myself, I am sure someone who has some already would like to see him.

Okay, here they are!!
Thanks for the help.

<img src="http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c313/gemamanda/P1030048b.jpg" border="0" alt="Image hosting by Photobucket">
<img src="http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c313/gemamanda/semisideshot.jpg" border="0" alt="Image hosting by Photobucket">
<img src ...

I can try.
It's in a heavily planted tank and I hate having to disturb everything, but I will give it a shot.

if I get a positive ID on mine I will hit you up. I'm pretty sure its a male 3 yrs old.

hmm...
I can't even get them wholesale anymore, so I may have to think about this one.
Any females that you know of??

Okay, here's my baby - well not really he/she is 3 years old.
I'm 80% sure it's a boy, but need some more opinions.
I could never see any "bristling" on the fins, but the head isn't very round either.
And this is the only semi-decent photo I've ever been able to take in the 3 years I have him/her ...