How identified the sex of male and female Biotoecus opercularis

[FIL]

Hi ,

Would you be able to identify a male and a female Biotoecus opercularis ?

Thank you for advance

Nicolas

 

[Mike Wise]

Yes, but only when fully grown. The females tend to have a heavier body, slightly blunter dorsal/anal fin tips, and much shorter (if any) streamers on the caudal fin. How large are your fish?

 

[FIL]

Hello Mike ,

I don't have Biotoecus opercularis, i just wanted to know how identified male and female. Very difficult to find at home .

Thank you

 

[Mike Wise]

Well if I wanted to get a pair of this species from a tank, I would buy at least 4 (preferably 6). I would pick out 2 larger, more slender specimens and 2 (or more) medium size specimens that appear to have deeper bodies.

 

[Microman]

In my opinion Biotoecus opercularis are relatively easy to sex from quite a young age. Theres one diagnostic feature that gives you 100% accuracy where sexes are concerned and that is the row of metallic blue spots along the dorsal fin. In males the spots are quite clearly separated but in females the spots fuse together. Even though they are relatively easy to sex as Mike says a group is still best, I kept mine in breeding groups of 6 fish( 2m/4f) in 3ft tanks without any problems at all with females regularly guarding eggs/fry at both ends of the tank.
I bred 100s of Biotoecus opercularis in 2006-2007 and studied them very closely indeed. One of my favourite SA dwarfs, outside of Apistogramma, and well worth keeping.
I know Charley has them in France Nicolas. Go on treat yourself...
Mark...

 

[wethumbs]

Mark is right about sexing the Biotoecus opercularis. 'Solid' blue line versus 'dotted' blue line on the dorsal fin is the key. However, when they are small, it takes a pair of 'trained' eyes to tell the difference. Once you notice the differences, you can spot them easy.

 

[FIL]

Thank you very much .


Yes, i know Charly but i had a lot of problems of sexage with him (much frustration by mail order selling) and the communication is very difficult . I prefer to find an other person and see the fishes to choose them or find a reliable person to do choice.

Nicolas

 

[Loriculus]

Hi Guys,

let me challenge you - so what you think this is:

Regards
Peter

 

[Loriculus]

I really did not see that blue line as a differentiator yet. Good one

Here are some pic's where the fins of a male make clear that it is a male

and here a female full of eggs:

See the black spot the female shows ?

Unfortunately the fist nest did not hatch. Patience I must have

 

[Microman]

Yes the row of blue dots on your males dorsal are quite clear and on your female the dots clearly fuse together.
This diagnostic feature is 100% accurate from quite a young age, certainly much earlier than the differences in finnage and body shape that we all generally look for when sexing many cichlids.
As most wild Biotoecus come in very small this diagnostic feature it is most helpful when picking out your fish.
Good luck with them Peter...
Mark...

 

[wethumbs]

I am curious about the white fuzz on the lower left hand corner of the last picture (female). BTW, those are great pictures.

 

[Loriculus]

I am curious about the white fuzz on the lower left hand corner of the last picture (female). BTW, those are great pictures.

I believe you see adult frozen brine shrimps

 

[Loriculus]

This diagnostic feature is 100% accurate from quite a young age, certainly much earlier than the differences in finnage and body shape that we all generally look for when sexing many cichlids.
As most wild Biotoecus come in very small this diagnostic feature it is most helpful when picking out your fish.
Good luck with them Peter...
Mark...

I wish I would have checked here earlier Mark just days ago I have been offered tiny fish (supposed to be WC) the price was very high and no one could tell sex or even what Biotoecus it is.

What is the common understanding, do we have one or multiple species in the trade ?

 

[illumnae]

I managed to get what was IDed by the shopkeeper as a pair of Biotoecus opercularis (adults) last month in Hong Kong. The male is a very obvious male, displaying extended pelvic fin, more elongated body shape and the row of dots clearly on the dorsal. No streamers on the caudal fin, though.

With the female, the body shape is different (plumper) and pelvic fins without extensions. The green line is fused, but confined only to the front half of the dorsal (i.e. it is short), and the back half of the dorsal is clear, as far as I can see. Would it be safe to assume that my female is legit, or could it be "undeveloped" due to age and spots may appear towards the back half of the dorsal at an older age?

They're still pretty shy so the description above is the best I can do - can't get photos