How to Tell If My African Cichlid Is Male or Female?

There are countless varieties of African cichlids spanning nearly every continent on the globe. Though all share enough traits to be grouped in the same family, many of them differ widely. With this in mind, gender identification can often be much more difficult than you might expect. What works for one species may not work for another, so a careful process that incrementally analyzes some of the more common markers is necessary to get as accurate a reading as possible.

Things You'll Need

  • Separate aquarium (fish ready)
  • Fish net
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Instructions

    • 1

      Keep detailed records of your fish when you purchase them. Generally, pictures and species information is very helpful when identifying gender, and this becomes more important with more diverse aquariums.

    • 2

      Look closely at same-species fish. Marc Elieson of the Cichlid Forum points out that some cichlids are dimorphic, meaning that fish within the same species have distinct markings or color variations devoted to male and female specimens. Where possible, this is the best way to determine gender as it requires minimal or no handling. Depending on the species, a local aquarium shop may have readily available examples of male and female fish with which you may compare your own.

    • 3

      Use the net to capture single specimens of any fish that do not evince color distinctions between gender. With wet hands, gently grab the fish and turn it so that you have a clear view of the underside. Examine the genital area between the rear or anal fin and the anus. Males will have a smaller genital pore whereas females will have a larger genital pore for egg laying, according to Elieson.

    • 4

      Deposit each identified fish into a separate aquarium to prevent losing track of your findings. This is important not only for expedience but for reducing overall handling of the various fish you wish to identify.