Who Gives A Fish Forums

I'm curious to know what others think - is this male or female?
I've got my own opinion, but I'm aware it can be a tough one to call, so I'd love to hear your views.

Looks like male to me, but I'm interested to hear what others think since it can be tricky.

Those pics aren't giving much away, to be honest. I mean, sexing can be tricky at the best of times, but from those images, it's anyone's guess.

To make a proper determination, I'd really appreciate a clear side view of the fish. Females tend to develop a pinkish hue on their belly when they're in breeding condition, so that might give us a better idea.

That's a juvenile fish, taken from a poor angle, and from a species that's infamous for making it tough to determine the sex, especially at that age.

coltin wrote: ↑Sun May 14, 2023 8:38 pm To make a proper determination, I'd really appreciate a clear side view of the fish. Females tend to develop a pinkish hue on their belly when they're in breeding condition, so that might give us a better idea.

You might notice the difference in 'poor quality' individuals where the color isn't as vibrant, but that's really the only time it's noticeable.

graye wrote: ↑Sun May 14, 2023 9:53 pm That's a juvenile fish, taken from a poor angle, and from a species that's infamous for making it tough to determine the sex, especially at that age.

I feel for the little guy, it's on its own and I'm hoping to find a mate for it.

I'm inclined to think it's a female due to the stocky body shape, but the photo quality isn't great, making it tough to say for certain.

MackyD wrote: ↑Sun May 14, 2023 10:02 am I'm curious to know what others think - is this male or female?
I've got my own opinion, but I'm aware it can be a tough one to call, so I'd love to hear your views.

For breeding ram cichlids, I've found it's best to get a group of young fish, around 8-10, and let them grow up together. This way, they can choose their own mates naturally. Once pairs form, you can move them to their own tanks. Keep the rest of the group together, just in case the pairs don't work out - that way, you can reintroduce them to the main group and let them try again with a new partner.

I'm inclined to agree it's a young specimen, and I think it's female, but then again, young males can display similar characteristics. I'd recommend giving it time to mature and observe its development before making a definitive call on its sex.