Sexing Hoplos

[coldcazzie]

I have just adopted 2 spotted hoplos. The guy said he thought the bigger one was a male but had no idea about the smaller one - does anybody know how I could check? It doesn't make much difference but I'm curious to know if the names given them by the kids are appropriate LOL

Hope this is in the right place!

 

[helterskelter]

The males develop upturned pectoral fins. this is to rip up plants for nesting material when breeding.

This is very clear in mature males

 

[coldcazzie]

How big do they have to big to be considered mature?

I have 1 approx 6 inches and 1 approx 4.5 inches.

 

[helterskelter]

6" is fully grown
should be mature enough at 4.5 to show if it's a male

 

[alan3513]

Male Pectoral fins are thicker and oraney red on the front edge, very noticable when more mature.

 

[coldcazzie]

Male Pectoral fins are thicker and oraney red on the front edge, very noticable when more mature.

Then the bigger one is definitely a male, and the smaller one probably a female.

The kids naming them Bob and Wendy is spot on then

 

[alan3513]

Probably, but the small one could still be a male depending on the size, as helterskelter says around the 4.5-5.0 inch mark you will definately be able to tell.