When choosing fish, novice aquarists often get stumped, not knowing how to distinguish males from females. Young fish growths are extremely similar to each other, and adults are sometimes difficult to distinguish. However, there are some signs that you won't make a mistake if you take them into account.
Instructions
Step 1
There is no single and one hundred percent correct way to determine the sex of fish. It all depends on the specific breed and age. If you are an aspiring hobbyist, get a guide that accurately identifies the breeds and their sex characteristics. Do not buy fish that are too young - the sex of some fry is difficult to determine even for specialists.
Step 2
Most often, the secret of sex is revealed by the anal fin located in the lower part of the abdomen. In some breeds, for example, gouramis, guppies or lalius, the sex is very easily recognized by the shape of the anal fin. In females, it has a rounded or soft-triangular shape, in males, it is pointed or similar to a tube. Fin differences become more noticeable with age.
Step 3
Estimate the size of the fish. Adult females of barbs, guppies, catfish, swordtails are larger, while males are much smaller. Sexual differences are most clearly seen in viviparous fish - females look much more voluminous, especially in the abdomen. Males, on the other hand, have a more streamlined shape and narrow body.
Step 4
Pay attention to the intensity of the color. In many breeds, males are brighter. For example, adult male guppies are easily identified by their striking tail and dorsal fins. Pearl gourami at puberty differs from females in bright orange belly. However, a lot also depends on the color variations within the breed. For example, barbs or scalars can have different shades regardless of gender and a pale-colored male is easily confused with a female.
Step 5
It is easiest to identify adult fish that have already spawned. Then, even the most difficult breeds in determining the external sex differences appear. For example, male scalars take on a characteristic, pronounced profile with a steep forehead. Male goldfish develop white tubercles on their gills, and their pectoral fins become covered with small notches.
