C. Regani sexing

[jegt]

Hi

I have a group of 8 C. Regani, four of which have a spot on the dorsal fin and are obviously females. Of the remaining four two are larger and are obviously males. The two remaining looks more like females but have no spots on the dorsal fins. They are smaller than the males, the same size as the females. See the attached photos. Any ideas?

Female:


Large male to the right


Unknown


Unknown

 

[TheSinisterSOB]

I would assume the two unknown are female, even though they don't have spots it looks like their belly's are starting to grow and redden, which would suggest they are looking to do the deed.

 

[Heyguy74]

Great pics. Have you seen any pairing off. I would say male. Only because they lack the dorsal spot. I'm no expert so I could be wrong. I thought the spot was a sure fire way to sex most of the dwarf species. At least those that have them. My male c. Notophthalmus can get a huge belly. Especially after eating well.

 

[TheSinisterSOB]

Great pics. Have you seen any pairing off. I would say male. Only because they lack the dorsal spot. I'm no expert so I could be wrong. I thought the spot was a sure fire way to sex most of the dwarf species. At least those that have them. My male c. Notophthalmus can get a huge belly. Especially after eating well.

Normally I would agree with you on the dorsal spot, but if we look at the male from the top pics, we don't see the coloration in the dorsal fin.

And the belly looks like its getting red, which would indicate a female that could be starting to hold eggs. If the dorsal spot doesn't start to form, it could be a sign of lack of maturity or a survival tactic.

I have heard stories of male pike changing color to resemble females when they are not the dominate male in the tank.