Buying New Dwarf Gouramis - Lfs Says They Can't Tell Sex

[mozcheez]

I know I should take this as a bad sign, but I can't help but feel bad for the dwarf gouramis at my LFS. They are marked "Male Gouramis" on the tank, so I asked if they stock any females. The person told me "we can't tell/guarantee the gender". Well, I know that should be the first "get out" omen (why even put "male" on the sign if you can't tell), but the 4 poor guys are being constantly picked on by a 7-8" goldfish. LFS says "yeah we'll need to move him soon....".

Anyway... I only have room for a pair in my new tank (which is still cycling at the moment). Do you have any advice or tips for me recognizing male versus female? I've only had experience sexing livebearers. Specifically, these are powdered blue dwarf gouramis. The appeared to all look the same shade (none more vivid than the others).

Or should I just stay away?

Thanks for any help :\

 

[jcabs100]

Dorsal fin if its pointy its male and if the dorsal fin is round its a female and also females are more plumper if it makes any sense to you

 

[mozcheez]

Dorsal fin if its pointy its male and if the dorsal fin is round its a female and also females are more plumper if it makes any sense to you

That makes a lot of sense, thanks jcabs

 

[Liquid skills]

Dorsal fin if its pointy its male and if the dorsal fin is round its a female and also females are more plumper if it makes any sense to you

Also the anal fin in every hour I've had males have had pointed anal and dorsal

 

[lilfishie]

females are usually silver or have very little colour compared to males

 

[mrlewis1978]

females are usually silver or have very little colour compared to males

Im not as experienced as some of the other on here, but the males and females should be clearly different. I have to pairs of dwarf gourami, 'original' colour with red and blue stripe, and a flame red. The females of both pairs are about 30% smaller and very neutrally coloured (silver/white). If it is difficult to tell the difference in your LFS I would imagine it would be a tank full of the same sex.

I wouldnt recommend getting a pair of males either, they are the most aggressive fish out of all of mine!

Hope this helps.

 

[mozcheez]

Thanks, everyone That helps a whole lot. I didn't look at the fins when I was at the store, but I do know that the colors were identical, so they're likely all the same sex.

I'll take this info with me when I go back next week. Thanks again!