Bichir Sex

**jscurrier** · 09-03-2009, 04:23 AM

What is a good way to tell the sex of a bichir. I tried to look it up but couldn't find anything. I have 2 of them and was wondering if i can see what they are.

**toddnbecka** · 09-03-2009, 04:27 AM

I believe it's the number of dorsal spines, but I can't remember whether it's the male of the female that has more. In any case, if they're the same species and have a different number of spines, you have both sexes. It's likely a moot point though, they don't breed in aquariums as far as I know.

**Fishguy2727** · 09-03-2009, 12:36 PM

The males have a larger, more muscular anal fin. Generally you can't tell until about 4" or so.

**jackson17** · 09-03-2009, 03:25 PM

Originally Posted by toddnbecka

I believe it's the number of dorsal spines, but I can't remember whether it's the male of the female that has more. In any case, if they're the same species and have a different number of spines, you have both sexes. It's likely a moot point though, they don't breed in aquariums as far as I know.

They breed but there is no way of knowing what helps induce them into it and when.