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How to sex - Geophagus Surinamensis


bli

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Hi

I have a group of 5 Geos, two of which are 15cm and the rest being smaller 8-10cm. I have set up a cave from a number of slate pieces of which the largest of the Geos hangs out in most of the day (only coming out to feed).

(Without knowing whether they are male or female, it might make this confusing)

When he/she does come out to feed the second largest one always keeps him/her in his place trying to force him/her back into the cave. Often the 2nd largest will rub its body alongside the largest Geo fanning its tail in the others face. Also will often nip at the larger ones side.

The big one doesnt seem to mind to much, it just retreats back to its cave or dodges the smaller one. When i first got them (about 5 months ago, the largest one was the dominant one and would never get hassled but over the past few weeks its been all on.

Does anybody know what this behaviour means or how to sex the geos. The largest one is beautiful in colour, whereas the smaller one is much more browny yellow tones as opposed to pink, with beautiful blue shimmers all throughout

Many thanks

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing ... d=79759767

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they both seem to have elongated fins but as the pic shows, the larger one is definately more colourful. Mind you a bit of red colouring is starting to show up on the browner one.

Any ideas about the tail flapping in each others face?

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I have only ever kept these as a display, in my American days. Sexing is pretty difficult, not much difference at all.The 2nd size fish could be coming into maturity, either it is trying to encourage the male to breed, or it could be an up & coming male trying to test the water.

Here's an article that may be helpful. Has a good section on breeding.

http://www.wetpetz.com/surinamensis.htm

Frenchy :D

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the tail slapping in the face is aggression towards each other trying to sort out whos the boss in the tank. mine did this when i had them.

they should sort them selfs out soon.

and the males are the better looking out of the females. The males have alot of red blue and long bottom fins.

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Hi thanks. Yeah the larger of the two is definately the most beautiful in terms of colouration and has very nice and long pec fins that extend well down. As for the aggression it doesnt seem to bother anyone two much. Once again thanks for your help

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Hiya

We used to keep rather a few Suris, definately the extensions and colouration is the key to difference in sex.

we keep Jurapari still, and I have a pair, the female who is slightly smaller and not as bright in colour often hassles the male in the same way your Suri's are behaving, she often crowds him and wavers all over the place, he at times is often hen pecked :lol:

Mekhaela

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