Sexing Juvenile Oscars

[Ferris]

Hi all,

Just wondering if its possible to sex oscars at around 2-3 inches size?

 

[Ferris]

Anyone?

 

[Somethings Fishy Here]

There are things that people say to look for like males have slightly brighter colors, but in my experiences its mainly a luck of the draw thing as all of the sexing attributes have exceptions (males with female characteristics etc.) so while I could spout some things I've heard off, it would be no more than unproven things that may mislead if the oscars prove to be exceptions to the rules. It is for this reason that most people get 6-8 oscars and hope two will pair off as its nearly impossible to sex them. Sorry.

 

[Synirr]

It's pretty much impossible to sex even adult oscars without checking under the hood. I've heard that you can "vent" them, which involves taking them out of the water, flipping them upside-down, and looking in the vent to see if the fish has male or female bits, but even then both sexes can look the same to the untrained eye, and it's not something I'd want to try doing, that's for sure...
So yeah, like Somethings Fishy Here said, it's basically the luck of the draw.

 

[Ferris]

OK guys, That pretty much confirmed what i've found on google etc. I'm looking to get a single oscar for a 75 gal tank, haven't decided whether i want a male or female but it looks like i'll leave it up to lady luck.

Thanks a lot for the replies.

 

[EliteFishy]

fo shizzle