Sexing Electric Yellows

[ChEeRs_BiG_EaRs]

heya,
i ahve 9 electric yellows but dont know how to sex them. i was wondering if anyone could point out the differences between males and females.
i was wondering if anyone can give me a hand.
thanx
BiG EaRs

 

[VoodooChild]

It's pretty hard to tell without venting them. Some say that the more prominent black edges on the dorsal signify a male, but I think I'd argue with that. The same applies with eggspots on the male's anal fin. Captive breeding has really broughten both of these traits out and will probably skewer any results you have. If you're trying to breed, just wait until someone pairs up and then remove the ones that aren't breeding or those that are getting killed off. Out of 9 you will have a pair.

 

[Oscar_Wild]

IME the yellow labs won't pair off in a way that you will know that they are a pair. They are harem spawners and do not form lasting pair bonds. You will know the females when they are holding eggs. They are mouth brooders. As far as removing them for spawning, it's not necessary. The female may become a little beligerent while holding but won't cause any damage. If you want to raise the fry, you should put the female in a holding tank until she spits the fry, otherwise the other fish will eat them.

Another way to try to determine sex is the pectoral and anal fins. The males will have prominant black edging where the females will have little to no black. My dominate male has completely black pectoral and anal fins. This is not a 100% effective way to sex them though.

 

[Barbie]

This is a crummy picture of one of my favorite lab females, obviously holding, and quite obviously with dark black edging to her finnage.

Barbie

 

[scholar]

The black marks on the lower fins area sig of dominance. The males will have them. however when there are no males. the top female will have them or when in stress, ie. holding eggs. the best way is:

- he chases and she runs away.

- the female mouth is much lower than the male.

Becasue I have kept them for while, I can look at the head and call their sex!