Apistogramma Baenschi sex ID

[Matías]

Greetings from Bolivia!
Could someone please help me determine these two young apistogramma baenschi's sex?
A)

B)

Thanks!

 

[Mike Wise]

How large are the fish? Based on the size of the coconut shell, I would guess that they are over 5 cm. Right now they look like 2 females, but all juveniles look more like females.

 

[Matías]

Thanks for answering, one of them is 3,5 cm long (picture A) and the other one is 4 cm long (picture B).
Hint: Only the apisto from picture B is territorial and tends to pump up its operculums.
How long are average adults?

 

[Mike Wise]

Once they grow to 5 cm, they should be sexually mature. Females can grow over 6 cm; males over 8 cm. Dominance display is seen in both sexes. Therefore dominance is not the best way to sex fish.

 

[Matías]

Ok, thanks. So there's still a chance one of them is a male? Where could I find more information on this specie?
Thanks!

 

[Mike Wise]

Yes, there is a chance that one is male. I personally doubt either is male, however. Several excellent books discuss this specie under A. baenschi and A. sp. Inca/Inka.

 

[Gwendal]

If you put more pics could help.






1 saludo

 

[Matías]

Yes, there is a chance that one is male. I personally doubt either is male, however. Several excellent books discuss this specie under A. baenschi and A. sp. Inca/Inka.

Ok, thank you. Which books would you recommend?

 

[Matías]

If you put more pics could help.






1 saludo

I'll put some more this upcoming week, thanks!

 

[Mike Wise]

Römer Cichlid Atlas 2 is probably the most detailed on A. baenschi. It includes everything from the original scientific description plus much more.