Is venting really the only way to be 100% sure?

[BMG94]

Ok so I've been trying to figure out what the best way to know the sex of African Cichlids, the only solution I run across is venting but I'm worried it'll stress them out and make them afraid of us.
Is there any other way to really to know or at least have an idea?

 

[deeda]

Venting is the best way though you may need to wait until females have laid eggs the 1st time. It shouldn't stress them out unless you have to really chase them around the tank.

Some species are easier to tell if there is a difference in male vs female coloration known as being dimorphic. Some examples are Labidochromis caeruleus are the same color whereas Pseudotropheus saulosi are 2 different colors.