Betta fish are commonly known as fighting fish. You might think that all betta fish look and behave the same way because they are sold in separate containers. You can determine the sex of a betta fish by observing the differences in appearance and behavior of the fish. If you intend to breed betta fish, of course this is very important for you.
Step
Method 1 of 2: Determining Gender Based on Appearance
Step 1. Wait until the fish are a bit mature
When young, male and female betta fish look very similar. This is because the sex characteristics of the fish's body have not yet developed. Wait until the fish is two months old to see the development of male and female sex characteristics clearly.
Step 2. Pay attention to the shape and size of the betta's fins
Male betta fish generally have long back, belly and tail fins. Generally, the length of the fin is 2-3 times the length of the body. The hind and tail fins of betta fish often droop because they are very long. Female betta fish have shorter fins. The belly fin of the female betta fish looks like a hair comb.
Short fins are the characteristics of female betta fish. However, this trait should be combined with other characteristics to determine the exact sex of the betta fish
Step 3. Pay attention to the color of the betta fish
Male betta fish generally have a lighter color, as opposed to female betta fish. Female betta fish are usually dull in color, especially in the body. A bright blue, green or red color is a sign of a good male betta.
Body color may change depending on the stress level of the fish. Stressed female betta fish are brighter in color than unstressed fish
Step 4. Look at the hole of the fish egg
The female betta has a small white spot (ovipositor channel) on the underside of the body. This point is like a grain of salt. It is located near the edge of the pelvic fin near the betta's head. This method is guaranteed to be effective because male betta fish do not have this organ.
- This point is difficult to find in young female betta fish. As you age, this organ will enlarge and become easier to see.
- If you have trouble finding this point, feed the fish. Betta fish will rise to the surface of the water to eat and you can see the bottom of the fish more clearly.
Step 5. Compare the body shape of the betta fish
Betta fish males and females have subtle differences in body shape. Males tend to be thinner and longer. The female betta fish is shorter and thicker. This difference is not clearly visible. You should see other male fish to get used to the male fish's body shape. The female betta looks like a fat, short male fish in comparison.
Step 6. Place the mirror on the side of the aquarium
Male betta fish will glare at other males. Both male and female betta fish tend to be aggressive. However, males are usually more aggressive than females. When a mirror is placed on the side of the aquarium, the betta will think it is looking at another fish in the mirror. Male betta fish will flare their gills to show dominance. The fish will even try to attack the mirror.
- The female betta will also expand her gills, but lacks enthusiasm. Male betta fish will be obsessed with the presence of other male fish.
- Do not keep the mirror near the aquarium for too long. Although interesting to watch, this can stress the betta fish and interfere with their health. If the fish is too stressed for a long time, the male betta's fins will shorten.
Method 2 of 2: Determining the Sex of Betta Fish Based on Behavior
Step 1. View the purchase method
How you buy your betta will give you a little clue as to the gender. Male betta fish are generally sold in pet stores or regular fish. Male betta fish have bright colors and large fins so shops prefer to sell more attractive males. Female betta fish are usually sold in specialized fish shops for breeders and collectors.
Usually pet shop staff have more pet knowledge than you. However, sometimes this knowledge is limited to the staff's pets. When consulting with shop staff regarding the gender of your betta, ask if he or she has ever tried breeding betta fish, or see if the staff should check the label to determine the sex of the fish. If the results are in doubt, assume the fish purchased is male
Step 2. Look for bubble nests
When the male fish are ready to mate, the fish usually make bubbles on the surface of the water. Males make hundreds or thousands of tiny bubbles that clump together. These bubbles are preparation for fertilizing the egg. Male betta fish are usually the main caregiver for their offspring.
Step 3. Examine the beard on the fish's gills
Both male and female betta fish have membranes under the gills that are different in color from the body color. Usually this beard is brown or black. The beard of the male betta fish is larger than that of the female fish. Betta fish beard can only be seen carefully when the gills are closed. The male fish's beard is more clearly visible even if the gills are exposed.
Tips
- With practice you will be able to determine the sex of your betta more accurately. Experienced breeders can find male betta fish when they are 2 cm long!
- If in doubt, seek out a betta fish specialist at a pet or fish store. Look for a store that specializes in fish for aquariums.
- When determining the sex of a betta fish, you should start from body size. The female betta fish is smaller than the male fish.
