How to sex Banggai Cardinals (vent method)

I have been able to sex a few different pairs using the vent method with 100% success, so I figured I would share.  This method is also easier on older fish, but can be used on bigger juveniles too.
 
First things first, feed the fish really well.  The more their bellies bulge the easier it is.  Then look very closely along the bottom of their belly between their two pelvic/ventral fins and their one anal fin.  You will see either a single vent or two vents.  These vents are very small, white, and cone or triangular shaped.  Males have two vents, and females have one vent.   I've found that females that are close to spawning will have a swollen vent, and can appear to be males.
 
When I get better female pics I will replace them.
 
http://www.advancedaquari...f-banggai-cardinalfish

Don't let fear and common sense stop you! =]

FEMALES:
 

 

 

 

Don't let fear and common sense stop you! =]

MALES:
 

 

 

 

Don't let fear and common sense stop you! =]

Awesome! Will keep this in mind for my next pair, to avoid the same sex issue again. Thanks for sharing!

Michelle  
 

Thanks for the pics Mindy, these are my next focus and I have a few growing up/fattening up now.  The pics make it really clear what to look for.

Some great shots; I know Chad Vossen has used this method and he claims 100% success with it, and it's one of the most promising methodologies I intended to test for publication in Banggai Rescue.  And I think credit for this actually goes back a few years now to a couple breeders on MOFIB figuring it out.

I have had a few different pairs and individuals in the past and found this method to be 100% as well. I will have to see if I can dig up some pictures. Yours are excellent BTW Mindy!

You've got 25 pairs,…, let us know what you find out!

check out Kathy's Clowns, llc website:
http://kathysclowns.com
Captive bred clownfish and more
(Wholesale to the trade.)

The last pair that I put together I tried using this method.  I picked 2 banggai's from a group and they paired up and mated.

 
I'm not sure who figured it out first...maybe Steve Kennedy on MOFIB?
 

 
Me too, they bred within a few weeks of me sexing them and segregating them.
 

 
Who does?  Matt P?  That would be awesome!  I've got 3 pairs so far...and no babies.  Frustrating fish.

Don't let fear and common sense stop you! =]

I also 2nd the idea that it requires a nice plump belly on the fish. I have tried to count at the LFS and they are just not visible. Not sure if it's an age issue as well because these were young but also skinny. Maybe someone with well fed juveniles can confirm the age at which they can be accurately sexed.

I can tell you for certain that yes, it requires a plump belly.  Without it, these external characteristics are simply not visible.

i dont see the difference in these pics, can someone help me out here lol. i was told to go by there fin on the head. females are short and males are long.

Nick, there is no reliable difference in finnage or even jaw structure.  Most of the pairs I've had over the years were impossible to tell apart if the male wasn't holding eggs.  Once a pair has been established, usually the male is more skittish than the female so that helps sort of who is who.
 
Check out my pics here where the differences are circled:  http://www.advancedaquari...f-banggai-cardinalfish

Don't let fear and common sense stop you! =]

oo thanks alot, males have 2 vents females 1. that helps alot. alwyas loved these guys and aroudn here you dont see them very often at all! theres 1 LFS that has 3.

Thanks for sharing this info Mindy!
Have you noticed if these differences are observed on other cardinals?

I have approx 10ish bangai's and put what I think is 3 pairs together last night.  2 of the 3 pairs are definately hanging out together today and I am not sure of the third yet.

Cool David, please let us know how it works out!
 
Teebone, I'm far from an expert on the subject, I just posted what I learned elsewhere because it seems to work.  I haven't looked that closely at any other Cardinals.

Don't let fear and common sense stop you! =]

Thank you very much for this

New to this site. But not to the hobby Have been keeping reef tanks for about 5 years now.

I am trying to sex my bangaii cardinal so I know what sex to add to the tank. This morning I fed him up an got his belly fat and discovered he was a male. Now just to find a female to go with him

Hopefully i can have a bit of success. I have tried numerous pairs but my previous sex determination was not accurate at all so they kept fighting.

Keep up the good work.

Cheers,

Matt