Mandarin problem

[JTL]

I just received a small mandarin to put with my existing one. I specifically asked for a female, and it was labled as such. I currently have what I believe is a male with the large spike. The one I just received is very small but it also has a spike. Doesn't that me male?

 

[Reefman29]

Yes, only males have spikes. Don't put them together since they will fight.

 

[JTL]

It is so small that when the spike is clamped down you can hardly see it, but it is definately a spike.

 

[snorvich]

There are also males which have had their spike clipped. It does not mean they THINK they are female and they WILL fight with another male.

 

[JTL]

Well, I hope I don't run into that issue. This one does have a spike, almost like a long hair at this point. I did find a nice home for him with a friend of mine who has been in this hobby for many years and has tank(s) with lots of pods. My male is getting pretty fat and spends lots of time looking at himself.

 

[Reefman29]

I'm sure that fish don't use just appearance to determine what sex the other fish is.

 

[snorvich]

I'm sure that fish don't use just appearance to determine what sex the other fish is.

No, but some aquarists do. :eek1: