here we go again...RD sex

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MDH

MDH

Candiru
MFK Member
Jan 14, 2007
649
4
48
Canada, eh.
I think i've figured out how to properly sex convicts, jags, GT's, JD's, etc...but am still having a tough time with this 4.5" RD/Midas of mine. Took quite a few shots today and this is the best I could do. All's I know is that it's growing like a weed!

So male or female?
P1010201.jpg



and another from 2-3 weeks ago (notice the size difference? Mind you he was pretty fat back then)
P1010190.jpg
 
It's pretty hard to tell from the pics, but in the first pic, looking at the vent I would guess male. That being said, my old dentist office used to have a RD that I SWORE was a male (it had a big hump head and long pointy fins), until one day I went in and saw eggs! I guess the best way to tell is to wait till they grow up and see who lays eggs:D . When females are in the "mood", you will see the ovipositor which looks like a cylindrical tube behind the ventral fins and in front of the anal fin.
 
Aren't both the male and female vent visible on RD's though? I thought the female ovipositor was larger and pointed backwards, and the male's pointed downwards...I could be totally off here, that's why I am looking for help on this one. Thanks!
 
Looks female to me. Having had tons of these guys.
 
so female it is unless someone states otherwise! Being a female and all, she's still agro as heck, and growing like a weed. Although the vent this is still throwing me off. I've seen pictures of a female vent, and it's always looking triangular, while my RD's appears straight and pointy. But like I said, i'm no pro at this.
 
MDH at a young age sometimes they'll have just a tip of the "breeding tube" (Ovipositor) sticking out, which makes them ALL look male. But this is really only important if you want to breed them. Her finnage is gorgeous!!! I love the ones with the patterning in the rear fins.
 
Thanks for your kind words Santoury. I do not plan on breeding so I guess you're right, no real concern. I'm hoping her finnage develops even more, or at least stays the same as she matures. Thanks again!
 
As for the fin "pearls" they are there to stay, I'm happy to inform you. !!!!
 
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