Sexing Labidochromis Caeruleus

[doktor doris]

Hullo all,

Iam about to go to a shop and buy some Labidochromis Caeruleus.

Does anyone have any idea how to sex them easily?

I know the males are a bit bigger but is there any other indicators, please?

ta

doris

 

[andy d]

I read: "Its really hard to tell without venting."

I dont know what that means but aparently it's true. Probs best of asking the shop.

 

[lalo99]

Hullo all,

Iam about to go to a shop and buy some Labidochromis Caeruleus.

Does anyone have any idea how to sex them easily?

I know the males are a bit bigger but is there any other indicators, please?

ta

doris

Males and females are almost impossible to tell apart. especially, when young. I would get a group of 6 to 10 juvies. The males should grow faster. The dominant male will most likely be the largest and fastest grower. Once they begin to mate. Its much easier to sex the fish. You can vent them, but thats not as easy with juvies.

 

[Ashy_]

Agression wise i dont think it matters what sex they are. If you are trying to bread them then you will just have to buy a group and see what happens.

 

[dthoffsett]

Males and females are almost impossible to tell apart. especially, when young. I would get a group of 6 to 10 juvies. The males should grow faster. The dominant male will most likely be the largest and fastest grower. Once they begin to mate. Its much easier to sex the fish. You can vent them, but thats not as easy with juvies.

Exactly, and unless you get a super dominate male, multiples males aren't usually a problem with labs. Oh, and also be aware that labs are one of the slower growing mbuna so don't be surprised if they seem small forever.

 

[Ashy_]

Slow growing? I thought mine were growing quite fast. Only had them 2 weeks and i've noticed egg spots appearing and the fins getting blacker. My dominent one has definatly grown in size.

 

[dthoffsett]

Slow growing? I thought mine were growing quite fast. Only had them 2 weeks and i've noticed egg spots appearing and the fins getting blacker. My dominent one has definatly grown in size.

IME compared to other species labs grow quite a bit slower.

 

[mixmaster jay]

they are slightly slower than other species, the males mianly the dominent male will be bigger and brighter in most cases