Sexing Bellycrawlers

[straitjacketstar]

So I went to Ocean Blue yesterday and picked up a bellycrawler. I would have really liked a pair but among the probably dozen bellycrawlers I couldn't see any that were obviously female. Do females only make themselves known when they're in spawning condition? All these were at least 4".
In the same tank were a few sveni. A couple males and only one female so I snagged a pair.
Anyhoo, I'm really wondering about the bellycrawlers. I really wanted a pair and not wanting to leave bellycrawler-less I took just one.

 

[Scatocephalus]

So I went to Ocean Blue yesterday and picked up a bellycrawler. I would have really liked a pair but among the probably dozen bellycrawlers I couldn't see any that were obviously female. Do females only make themselves known when they're in spawning condition? All these were at least 4".
In the same tank were a few sveni. A couple males and only one female so I snagged a pair.
Anyhoo, I'm really wondering about the bellycrawlers. I really wanted a pair and not wanting to leave bellycrawler-less I took just one.

They are sexable when not in breeding condition.

Males are usually more slender. They posess many small spots on the soft portion of their dorsal and anal fins.

Here's a male. Note the spotting on the soft, rear portion of the anal and dorsal fins:

Females usually have an ocelli or black blotch in the middle of their dorsal fin. I have seen females without this however. The soft portion of their dorsal and anal fins are clear. When ripe they exhibit a bright red stripe along their back and their belly.

Here's a female. Note the round belly and the black blotch on the dorsal. If I find a better pic of a female in color I'll post it.

 

[snapshooter]

Try here: http://www.monsterfishkeepers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=133887