sexing yellow labs

[nano55]

How can I tell male and female labs apart?

 

[nano cichlids]

There is no obvious color difference between males and females, but males may show more black on the fins, particularly the ventral fins. Dominant males will tend to be a brighter yellow, but both females and sub-dominant males may appear duller in color

 

[evelyn80]

:iagree: so im guessin my yellow lab is a male then

 

[mostlycichlids]

The black on their fins is no real way to tell I have have seen females with much more black than males. The only 100% way to tell is to vent them or when one has eggs in her mouth.

 

[jpappy789]

Venting is the only 100% way with most africans.

 

[ibr3ak]

I agree, both males and females may have just as much black on fins and face (bearding) and both could be as bright yellow as you can get them to be, venting is the only sure way to tell, unless the fish is already holding.

 

[kay-bee]

If you have a group of yellow labs, I find behavior between them tells a lot (despite how near identical the genders appear to US, it's clear who's male and female to THEM).

Check out the dominant male (he will be evident) and closely observe how he interacts with the others.