How do I tell if my African cichlid is male or female?

Question

I have a small african cichlid that is about 1.5 inch long. When and how can I tell what gender it is?

It is a Yellow Lemon African Cichlid

Answer 1

There are 2 types commonly called yellow lemons. I'm gonna assume yours is a Labidochromis Caeruleus(not Neolamp Leleupi). Either way both are monomorphic(opposite sex looks alike). Does yours have black along the top fin? If not its prolly a hybrid cross(unless Leleupi). These fish are almost impossible to sex, until adults(then would need venting). However these fish do best in groups of 5 or more, but the male female ratio does not really matter. These are very docile, for Mbuna. You probably wont be able to tell sex, until breeding begins. Just enjoy them till then, and remember a small group is best.

Answer 2

Lemon Cichlids

Answer 3

Determining the sex of fish seems to be a very popular question. This is not always as easy or reliable as one might hope; nothwithstanding, there are several techniques for determining a fish's gender.

If your fish are dimorphic (i.e., males and females have distinct coloring patterns), the task will be rather easy. All you need to do is find pictures of both the male and female for your species, and then simply compare. Sometimes fish that are dimorphic have very subtle differences and distinguishing them can be difficult, and may not always be apparent. In this case, solving the mystery of gender for these fish should be addressed as if they were monomorphic (i.e., males and females look similar).

Determining the gender of monomorphic species requires a process commonly called "venting."This involves removing the fish (with wet hands) and examining their dorsal side, looking for the genital pore between their anus and anal fin. As these twopictures demonstrate, the more anterior pore is the anus, while the second pore is the genital papilla, or vent. The genital papilla (also called an ovipositor for females) is the pore through which the fish will excrete either eggs or milt.

Generally speaking, females will have a larger genital papilla than their male counterparts. This larger size is needed to accommodate the passage of eggs. This difference is more difficult to distinguish for substrate egg layers (e.g., Neolamprologus spp.) because their eggs are smaller than those of female Mouthbrooders.

Answer 4

Its almost impossible to tell the difference between male and female Lemon Cichlids. Generally, however, males are bigger and have longer fins than the females. The best thing to do, is get them when they are juviniles and let them pair off if you are interested in breeding them.

Answer 5

Good luck there, I dont think you really can. Look it up on google. there might be a difference in body shape but it might be so slight you still cant tell. I used to have cichlids and I have no idea if they were male or female

Answer 6

The ones with the best color most likely is Male.
That is how the animal and fish kingdom work.
Its the opposite with us humans.

Answer 7

Okay, depending on the species, usually females develop colored flanks. (The lateral stripes on the sides beside the stomach) Males usually don't get these stripes.
+?+Marissa+?+

Answer 8

i have tried to figure this out myself for what i have heard/read males will genrally be brighter and have a secondary color the females are usauly 1 soild color