Need to sex these Nicaguerense (pic) after another infertile batch of eggs)

[gregga]

Curious.........

This pair of Nicaguerense has laid eggs twice. However, they have never produced fry. They'll occasionally "bicker" back & fourth, but never aggressively. They're both about 4". Could they be young parents still learning "the ropes". Or could I have two females? Here is a pic of the pair. I thought the female was on the left. Opinions?
http://www.printroom.com/_vti_bin/ViewImage.dll?userid=gregga&album_id=106482&image_id=13&courtesy=1

[Lynsey]

Looks like a pair. I read an article (don't remember the website) that said that the female retains the black lateral line and the male usually just has a dot. I don't know if that is a for sure way to sex them, just something I read from a breeder. I would give them a little more time to get into the swing of things.

[Tiger15]

Actually both fish look female to me. Nic are very easy to sex. Male has black dots on the fins and black reticulation in every scale. Female has more red and the horizontal line and dot are permanent. Two females can pair up and lay eggs, so can a lone female. I had a lone female GT that I thought for years it was a female until one day she laid eggs. Currently I have two female Lamprologus regani pair up because they laid fertile eggs before with a third male who died recently.

Look at Cichlid Scene's web site. He has a male Nic picture.

http://www.cichlidscene.com/

[Marcus]

Yup, two females.

Males will have heavy spotting in their unpaired fins. The whole line vs. body spot thing holds very little water. Either sex can exhibit either pattern depending on mood.

Sorry dude.

[Harry Tolen]

I would tend to concur with Marcus. They can be beautiful when you do have a pair, however, so keep looking for that male!

[gregga]

I was afraid of that answer.........
I was kinda banking on the dot vs lateral line thing.
One of my LFS has a large 7-8" male, but wants $69 for him. A little steep. Anyone looking to sell or trade a male Nic?...I'm your guy (he says, as he rolls his eyes):rolleyes:

[Tiger15]

There is a LFS in South Jersey that is selling Nic for $5.99 for 3 inch fish. Most of the fish left in the tank are male because people picked out the more colorful females. Nic are prolific fish and $69 is too much.

[AikidoGuy]

gregga i have six that i aquired from Mojo. 2 are definate males and the rest are females. if i get a two to pair up your welcomed to the other. but it wont be any times soon these guys are barely 2" so maybe a few more months.

[gregga]

Akido.....
That's a very generous offer...thank you...Keep me posted. Also, since you live in New Jersey, you are probably no more than an hour drive.....Thanks again.

Tiger.....
The females I have now are approx. 4-5". I also have a quality LFS that is selling Nics (3" or so) for $5.99. I was just hoping not to have to grow a new male out. But I appreciate the feedback.

The male being sold locally here is a solid 7-9" and stunning coloration and finnage. Still, $69 is rough. I'd rather grow one out.

[AikidoGuy]

im always willing to help out a hobbiest. LI isnt too bad of a drive i used to deliver cars to Howard beach back when i used to build race cars, it was only 1 hour drive. but l;iek i said they are small yet so it may be a few months

[Marcus]

Gregga, if this male is colorful, the bucks may be worth it.

In most cases the females far outclass the males when it comes to color. I have, however, seen two males that were every bit as coloful as the females. These were early on in my 'cichlid career' (circa 1980's) and at the time I didn't realize how special these males were. I kick myself everytime I think about them and not having bought them.

[gregga]

I asked my wife, mother and sister......they were all in agreement: Marcus, can I borrow $69?....

Thanks in advance,
Your new East Coast best friend