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View Full Version : How do you if a goldfish is a male or female?


miamor1
Feb 5, 2011, 09:49 PM
I have two goldfish and think that they have eggs want to know if I have 2 male or 2 females or one of each?

grammadidi
Feb 5, 2011, 10:12 PM
You can usually only tell the sex of a goldfish when they are mature. I presume yours are adults if you think they have eggs.

The best way to distinguish between the sexes is to actually see them breed. Failing this, there are some general rules, but bear in mind that it depends upon the age, size, type and health of the fish.

Most often, a female is rounder and fuller bodied than a male and the vent area protrudes a bit. The males, in contrast, are usually longer and thinner and the vent (anal) area is concave. The males tend to get white pimples on their gills and pectoral fins when they are ready to spawn. Sometimes it is mistaken for 'ick' and healthy fish are treated needlessly.

Hope this helps a bit!

Hugs, Didi