Bangaii Cardinals

[walt13]

Is there any way to tell a male from a female in the store? I see more and more CB and would like to try and pair them up. No interest in raising fry just the natural interaction. I have a pair of percs in my 55 that have been breeding for 5 years or so.
Thanks

 

[JackandJill]

There is no physical differentiation. Try to find two that seem to group together away from the rest in the LFS tank and cross your fingers.

Or buy more than two and wait until two pair off and then remove the others before they get killed.

 

[neontreefrog5]

there is slight differentiation between the two sexes. its extremely difficult to tell, but there are vents between the two pelvic/ventral fins. females have one, while males have two. their bellies need to be plump enough to have the vents extend from the body, so you could have the store feed them (as you should before getting any fish) and try to spot the vents. sometimes females have longer 'banners' as well.

 

[neontreefrog5]

that is a female: with one vent
http://www.advancedaquarist.com/blog/banggaifemale.jpg/image_full


male: with two vents
http://www.advancedaquarist.com/blog/banggaimale.jpg/image_full

 

[reefwiser]

http://www.mbisite.org/Forums/tm.aspx?m=72814

female one vent the small point on the bottom

Male two vents behind the front fins.

 

[walt13]

Thanks for the responses. Boy that is interesting with the vents. I will check it out next time and if I can see that I will buy a couple. I have a 55 but im planning to upgrade to a 90 when I redo the carpet. So I am looking to add pairs and trios. Fun to watch them intereact.
Thanks
pS those pix a great!

 

[lespaul339]

Thats great to know. I've been wanting to pair up my cardinal with another fish as well, but didn't know how to sex them.

 

[Triggerfish]

did you add a female yet?

 

[shred5]

I am not sure that vent thing is real.. I have a pair and I dont know how many times I have tried to see that and have not. Has anyone with a pair actually seen this. I find funny is LA sells pairs and they are tiny and have not reached sexual maturity... Wonder how they know...

Only difference I have ever seen is the males mouth seems larger...

I have recently lost the female at least I think so anyway.. With out the other it is hard to tell which is left..

But anyway if your lfs has a group sometimes you can observe the difference. Males will chase other males... Sometimes a pair will also form and move somewhat away from the group.