How do you know the sex of a fish?
Finding out whether a fish is male or female can be either an easy or extremely difficult task. This will depend on the species of fish, as some have physical characteristics indicating sex, while others have few signs.
To find out the sex of a fish, you must first observe the physical characteristics and behavior of the animal. Fish species are very diverse, so there is no single rule on how to know if a fish is male or female; it may depend on the particularities of the species. You can also consult a specialist for more information.
It is common to hear that male fish of a certain species are territorial and quarrelsome. Therefore, it is best to avoid placing them together in the same aquarium. In this case, knowing the sex of the fish is important to take proper care of of the little animals.
Check out how to identify the sex of the most common fish species in ornamental aquariums.
Betta
Bettas are common and very popular among fish owners. To know if this fish is male or female, one of the main differences is the size of the fins. The females’ fins are short, while the males’ fins are long and lush.
Another important difference between Betta fish is the difference in colors, which tend to be stronger and more vibrant in males. They also have a wider body than females, while females are more elongated.
Angelfish
Differentiating the sex of a Angelfish is not an easy task. When they are young, it is almost impossible to tell the difference. However, in adulthood, some discreet differences can be observed. In females, the shape of the head is usually slightly more rounded, and their belly is usually wider.
Kinguio
The goldfish species is also one of those that presents subtle differences between the female and male fish. Females tend to be wider and rounder than males, and some may have protruding bellies when they begin to develop eggs.
In males, which tend to be more slender and elongated, the main characteristic is the appearance of the so-called pearl organs, which are small dots that appear in the region of the operculum near the head.
Regardless of the species, it is easier to distinguish whether the fish is male or female when they reach sexual maturity, it is from this period that the differences become more visible.
Did you enjoy learning how to identify whether a fish is male or female? Tell us about it! And if you have a goldfish, tell us about it too!
