...a little zebra ID

husky_jim · Post by **husky_jim** » Tue Dec 14, 2004 11:22 pm

these are 2 pics of my latest zebras.the fish are 2,5" TL and now they are more healthier and fat...The pics are during the acclimatization from the trip from Germany to Greece some time ago....
What do you think of them?

a)

b)

Adam · Post by **Adam** » Wed Dec 15, 2004 12:36 pm

I would have a guess that the top one is female and the bottom one is male. My thinking is that the top fish appears to have more curve in it's pectoral fins and the bottom one less, apparently this is another way to sex them. I have noticed this difference in my lot but I guess the only way I'll know for sure is if they breed.

This is just my oppinion, I really should leave this sort of thing to the experienced members as I always get it wrong.

wandj · Post by **wandj** » Wed Dec 15, 2004 12:49 pm

Unless they are very skinny, immature females, I think both are male. As for the pec fin thing, my best and biggest male has very curved fins, so I don't like to go by that. Try to submit side shots showing the odonotodes and the shape of the forhead. I think that would be better for me to better judge.

Des · Post by **Des** » Wed Dec 15, 2004 10:26 pm

Husky_jim,
In my humble opinion ,they are 2 males, but to be absolutely sure you would need some more overhead shots in focus (to see the leading pectorals) and good side pictures to see the same and the cheek odontotodes .
Regards,
Des.

McEve · Post by **McEve** » Wed Dec 15, 2004 10:29 pm

I think they are two males, based on the thickness of the first pectoral ray, and the proportional size of the fins.

husky_jim · Post by **husky_jim** » Fri Dec 17, 2004 11:13 pm

For sure they are immature and needs time in order to tell exactly.They don't have 'male' cheek odontodes and also mine impression was for two males since yesterday which the one of them pass the hole day inside the dominant male's cave......

I guess i have to wait.
What do you think?

Rob · Post by **Rob** » Sun Dec 19, 2004 12:51 pm

My Guess goes for Top Female, bottom male, purely on the shape of the pectorial fins!

cheers rob

sid · Post by **sid** » Sun Dec 19, 2004 1:07 pm

both male i would say........but hey ,what do I know ,Im a discus buff lol

Post by **Barbie** » Sun Dec 19, 2004 5:00 pm

Husky Jim could you post some pics of how they look today? At that size, the male would have been just getting the thickening of his pectoral rays and what not. I tend to think the top one is male, due to the longer length of his head in comparison to the size of his body, if you draw a line through where the pectorals meet. The second one seems shorter through there, but the angle of the pictures really don't help us get enough of a perspective. 2 or 3 good shots per fish would give you a much better guesstimate, IMO.

Barbie