Sexing fry

[Punki]

So some of my fry are showing eggspots which are not 100% accurate in determining sex. OFL mentioned that sometimes she can tell the sex by pectoral fin length, but mine all seem to have the same length atm. But what im noticing tonight is one of my largest is FLARING when others come near it. Im really wanting to know if its a male or an aggressive female lol. My babies are 8 weeks old tomorrow. Any hints and tips or pictures to help? This is my first spawn so im still learning :)

[indjo]

In a batch of 1 type spawn (HMxHM, PKxPK, CTxCT etc.) you could look out for:
1. eggspot - though sometimes what we think are eggspots are actually something else.
2. color (only works for dark color) - the males usually have darker color while females show sort of breeding bars and are less vibrant.
3. Body - males are usually slimmer and looks longer than females who looks shorter and wider
4. Fins - males usually have larger (incl. PK fry) and longer (specially apparent for long finned types).
5. for all types - male's ventrals are usually wider and longer/larger.

Just compare one and the other. If they're the same, they're probably the same sex.

Sorry I don't have clear pictures to show you.

[Punki]

Ty Indjo. My little combtails are keeping me on my toes, second guessing often. Ill try looking again today for awhile, and remove on aggression just in case.

[Oldfishlady]

To add...its the paired ventral fins(under the head) not the paired pectoral fins(on the side/like arms/big ears) that are usually longer in males.

[Punki]

Oh sorry ofl XD I was looking at the wrong thing for days. :)

[trilobite]

And if they are light bodied you can see their ovaries. ( looks like a yellowish mass behind the stomach)

[Punki]

Tril thanks for that bit if info! One of my eggspotted girls has that! Most of my fry are white with red fins so i can see into them pretty well.

[Dragonlady]

It gets easier to identify males and females from a spawn the more bettas you watch grow up. What throws me off is when there is a cellophane female with obvious ovaries that later becomes a fully functioning male!

[Punki]

LOL! I guess theres no 100% sure way until the obvious signs show. Ive got eppspots on fry without ovaries, and big aggressive "males" that have ovaries and no eggspot LOL.

[dramaqueen]

I guess you'll just have to wait for that bigger fry to build a nest. lol