New To Neo Multi's

[ashemely]

I recently acquired two Neo Multi's and have been glued to the side of the fish tank ever since they settled in. As I understand sexing is extremely difficult with this species, and I'm sort of hoping that maybe I can , well those reading this, can sex them by their behavior. I have two good sized fish, they both seem to be equal in size around 1-1/2 inches. I've read a lot online that females are smaller, however only one article I read actually stated the size being less than an inch, true?

There is a more dominant fish that can go anywhere it likes in the tank but will not let the other fish go into about 75% of the tank space, if it does, the more dominant one will quickly bully the other fish out. They both still look good, there's no torn fins or anything. Maybe it's because the more dominant fish has more territory, but I've also noticed this fish is very active in the landscaping department, where as the other pretty much stays close to the nook underneath the filter. I've read online that the males are quite territorial to other males, which leads me to believe I have two males, but are females just as territorial with other females?

Thank you for the help/advice.

 

[lalo99]

I recently acquired two Neo Multi's and have been glued to the side of the fish tank ever since they settled in. As I understand sexing is extremely difficult with this species, and I'm sort of hoping that maybe I can , well those reading this, can sex them by their behavior. I have two good sized fish, they both seem to be equal in size around 1-1/2 inches. I've read a lot online that females are smaller, however only one article I read actually stated the size being less than an inch, true?

There is a more dominant fish that can go anywhere it likes in the tank but will not let the other fish go into about 75% of the tank space, if it does, the more dominant one will quickly bully the other fish out. They both still look good, there's no torn fins or anything. Maybe it's because the more dominant fish has more territory, but I've also noticed this fish is very active in the landscaping department, where as the other pretty much stays close to the nook underneath the filter. I've read online that the males are quite territorial to other males, which leads me to believe I have two males, but are females just as territorial with other females?

Thank you for the help/advice.

I have both multis and smilis. The males are larger than the females. However, its tough to tell until the grow fully. My males are not nasty to their females. They do fight with other males. now its mostly showing off at the boundry of their territories. Are they hanging out in the same shell or shells? My females stay near their shells ( unless eating). The males usually not far away. If they are on opposite side, I would guess they are both males.

 

[ashemely]

Are they hanging out in the same shell or shells?

Right now there are no shells in the tank, due to some ordering/shipping issues. However, until the shells get here, I have placed tiny clay pots into the tank. The fish themselves don't really hide in the pots, but the dominant fish has made a nice cave underneath one of the pots. When they first were in the tank, and I would go and glue my face to the tank, they would both hide in the dom's cave, but he would be quick to shove the other fish out. Now, though, if they get scared, the dom fish goes to his cave and the other hides around the filter/heater area.

I was afraid I had two males. I know one for sure is a male now. I recently put a black backing on to my tank, and the more dominant male, is showing off to what he thinks must be his lady friend, but is actually his reflection! He's doing some major flaring and nice little jiggy moves.

Thanx for the help lalo

 

[lalo99]

Are they hanging out in the same shell or shells?

Right now there are no shells in the tank, due to some ordering/shipping issues. However, until the shells get here, I have placed tiny clay pots into the tank. The fish themselves don't really hide in the pots, but the dominant fish has made a nice cave underneath one of the pots. When they first were in the tank, and I would go and glue my face to the tank, they would both hide in the dom's cave, but he would be quick to shove the other fish out. Now, though, if they get scared, the dom fish goes to his cave and the other hides around the filter/heater area.

I was afraid I had two males. I know one for sure is a male now. I recently put a black backing on to my tank, and the more dominant male, is showing off to what he thinks must be his lady friend, but is actually his reflection! He's doing some major flaring and nice little jiggy moves.

Thanx for the help lalo

No problem. I would suggest you get a couple more. Look for the smaller ones if you are buying from a LFS. Otherwsie, check out your local fish club. Somebody is bound to have them. You could also try buying juvies and letting them grow out. The adults shouldn't bother them (as long as there are shells). You want a few shells per fish. Good Luck