Microgeophagus ramirezi (Identify sex?)

[JG]

Just wondering what the majority of you thought the sex of this particular fish is?

 

[mummymonkey]

I would say female.

 

[kross]

yup. female.

 

[JG]

In your opinion, what characteristics make this specimen stand out as a female? I tend to think the dorsal fin front tip not being as pronounced but would love to hear what your opinoin is.

 

[mummymonkey]

The more rounded rear end of the dorsal fin is the characteristic I use for IDing females. With adult males it has a bit of a point. I have breeding females with very long extensions to the dorsal fin rays. I've also seen stuff on the net about blue dots inside the black spot or whatever but I've found that mood effects that more than anything.
It's normally straightforward with several fish of the same age as the males are noticeably larger. With single fish, and with some of the morphs, it's trickier.

 

[Randall]

Sexing Mikrogeophagus ramirezi

Hello Jazzy,

Male Mikrogeophagus ramirezi commonly exhibit jet black midlateral blotches, while those of females are dotted with iridiophores, like in your photo.

All the best,

Randall Kohn

 

[mummymonkey]

This is a female:

I know it's a female because I've watched it lay eggs. Note the extended dorsal fin rays and black spot on its side. Note also the rounded rear end of its dorsal fin.

A cyber pint if anybody can correctly identify the fish behind it.

 

[Mike Wise]

A cyber pint if anybody can correctly identify the fish behind it.

Not easy considering only 1/3 of the fish is visible. My guess is a Nannacara species, possibly N. aureocephalus.

 

[mummymonkey]

Not easy considering only 1/3 of the fish is visible. My guess is a Nannacara species, possibly N. aureocephalus.

Yes, I'm not sure there is enough visible, plus it's a bit washed out with the camera flash. As a big clue I'll say it's a fairly commonly available apisto and it's a male.

 

[JG]

Here's my other Ram. I believe this is a male based on the finnage, etc. What do you think?

 

[Randall]

Mikrogeophagus ramirezi

Hello Jazzy,

Based on the iridiophores on the dark blotch, rosy belly and somewhat extended genital papilla, I'd say you have another female...and a gorgeous one at that!

All the best,

Randall Kohn

 

[kross]

Not easy considering only 1/3 of the fish is visible. My guess is a Nannacara species, possibly N. aureocephalus.

Yes, I'm not sure there is enough visible, plus it's a bit washed out with the camera flash. As a big clue I'll say it's a fairly commonly available apisto and it's a male.

Apistogramma borellii...... now, give me a pint. :lol:

 

[mummymonkey]

Apistogramma borellii...... now, give me a pint. :lol:

Here you go mate!

 

[kross]

cheers mate!

hmm....doesn't taste like my fav Caffrey's? :lol:

 

[JG]

Re: Mikrogeophagus ramirezi

Hello Jazzy,

Based on the iridiophores on the dark blotch, rosy belly and somewhat extended genital papilla, I'd say you have another female...and a gorgeous one at that!

All the best,

Randall Kohn

Thanks Randall.

I'm looking to pick up a few more rams and to have a go at breeding them. They've always been one of my favourite fish. Lots of character, color, etc. I have a 20G Long and 10G at my disposal.

If you have any suggestions/tips on breeding them then I'd appreciate your feedback. Might be best to email me [email protected] with the information because this forum doesn't send me auto-reply messages even though I've selected that option.

Thanks,

J 8)