The gender of Siamese fighting fish can be comprehensively identified mainly through body shape, color, fin characteristics, abdominal reproductive characteristics, and behavioral differences. The following are the specific methods:
I. Main Identification Indicators
Body Shape Differences
Male Siamese fighting fish have a slender body shape with smooth lines, presenting a vigorous streamlined appearance. Females, on the other hand, are shorter and plumper, with a round abdomen (which is more obvious during the breeding period).
Example: The male fish is like a "slim dancer", while the female fish is more rounded.
Color Comparison
Male fish have bright and eye-catching body colors (such as red, blue, purple, etc.) with complex patterns. Female fish have relatively duller colors, mainly gray and light yellow.
Exception: Some artificially bred females may have richer colors, but the overall color saturation is still lower than that of males.
Fin Characteristics
The dorsal and caudal fins of male fish are wide and long (which can reach 2 to 3 times the body length), and the tip of the dorsal fin is sharp. The fins of female fish are short and small, and the dorsal fin is round and blunt.
Example: The caudal fin of the male fish is like a "gorgeous fan", while that of the female fish is similar to that of ordinary fish.
Abdominal Reproductive Characteristics
Female fish have an ovipositor (a small white spot or a pale yellow genital opening) between the pelvic fins and the anal fin. The abdomen of male fish is flat without this structure.
Note: Male fish may occasionally have a false spawning spot, so it is necessary to make a judgment in combination with other characteristics.
II. Auxiliary Identification Methods
Behavioral Observation
Male fish are more aggressive. They will display their gill covers and stretch their fins in response to mirror reflection. Female fish have a milder reaction.
Age Factor
The gender characteristics of juvenile fish are not obvious, and it is necessary to wait until they mature after more than 2 months for judgment.
Common Misunderstandings and Precautions
Short-fin Varieties (such as Plakat Siamese fighting fish): The gender cannot be determined solely based on the length of the fins. It is necessary to combine the body color and abdominal characteristics.
Differences in Chinese Siamese Fighting Fish: For some varieties (such as Chinese Siamese fighting fish), the female body shape may be slightly smaller than that of the male, and specific analysis is required.
Characteristics during the Breeding Period: When the female fish is carrying eggs, the abdomen is more significantly enlarged, and the color of the genital opening deepens.
If further confirmation is needed, in-depth research can be carried out through the observation of the breeding behavior of Siamese fighting fish or anatomical identification.