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Ok now that I've caught your attention and dragged you into the post, can anyone tell this fool (ie. me) how to sex any of the following? Pictures of what to look for would be wonderful, but a good description will work better than nothing, Thanks, Heidi

3 Acei (Pseudotropheus Acei)
4 Kenyii (Maylandia lombardoi)
3 Rusty Cichlids (Iodotropheus sprengerae)
3 Cobalt Blues (Metriaclima callainos)
5 Electric Yellows (Labidochromis caeruleus)


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"I've got a great ambition to die of exhaustion rather than boredom." Thomas Carlyle

Kenyi, males are yellow, females blue/black...

All the rest are monomorphic, meaning males and females look the same. Venting is the only way to figure them out

At what age do the Kenyi change colors?

And what exactly is venting?

"I've got a great ambition to die of exhaustion rather than boredom." Thomas Carlyle

Around 6-8 mths, about 2".

Venting for which the fish need to be 2" at least. Is when you actually examine the fish.

The "vent" is located between the Anal pore and the Anal fin.
Being as Malawi cichlids have rather large eggs the vent of the female is 2-3 times the size of the anal pore. In males the vent is almost the same size....

This is best done with the fish in a net and be sure to have a wet hand when handling the fish.
You'll also need a rather bright light.

The bigger the fish the easier this practice is, also you'll become better as you go.

Just be sure your not keeping the fish out overly long

Good Luck