the store keeper told me it was a she, I dont really know how to tell. It was free cuz the store changed owners and the new owner just wanted to get rid of the previous owners stock, maybe she uses a different supplier and cant back up the quality of these fish I'm guessing, if I dont keep it its only cuz I dont have room for her right now and she wont play nice with my other SA Cichlids. The eye by the way is starting to clear up quickly now with the Melafix.