Severum sexing

[KarlTh]

I learn that these guys are hard to sex by appearance as for any rule, exceptions exist.

I have three, around 3-4", which I'm beginning to suspect are all male. They do appear to have some markings on the gill covers, but what I'm most concerned about is the behaviour - they all chase each other, quite viciously. They're in a 55gal and it's got to the point now where you seldom see more than one at a time out in the open water. The two smaller ones have some damage to their fins and scales, although nothing a cichlid can't handle.

Am I correct to presume that this means they're males? And am I also correct that there's no long term future for three male sevs in a planted 55? Would swapping the smaller males for a female be the best plan (if I can find one)?

Tried to get pics but it's like trying to herd cats.

[wataugachicken]

Sounds like the same situation I'm in. . . . but I don't see how it's possible to end up with 6 male severums, which is what i am almost convinced i have. the odds have to be against it, right?

[dirtydawg10]

If they are all from the same spawn the smaller ones may be females. I have a male and a female and the male is definitely the dominant fish. He will often times chase the female into a corner. I found that some dither fish may help the situation.

[KarlTh]

They're with six Buenos Aires and eight Columbian tetras, so they've already got some dithers. :(

[dirtydawg10]

They're with six Buenos Aires and eight Columbian tetras, so they've already got some dithers. :(

I previously missed the fact that you have 3 in a 55. They may need a little more space then what they have now. That could be part of the problem. I have 2 in a 75 along with some dithers and I wouldn't go any smaller then that with the sevs.

[KarlTh]

Alas there's no room for a bigger tank. That's why I'm looking to reduce the numbers; there isn't really room for three males.