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There is a lot of ambiguity about how Bolivian ram cichlids (Mikrogeophagus altispinosus) should be sexed. I think that if the folks who own, have owned, or have worked with these rams get together and share their thoughts, maybe we can come to a general concensus. I'll start.

I have a definite pair of rams, and here are the external differences between them:

Male- Trailing filaments on his dorsal fin and on the top and bottom of the caudal fin. Brighter colors than the female. The large black spot on each flank has a blue sheen. Anal fin comes to a definite point, and is longer than the female's. When pulled up to the body, pelvic fins reach halfway up the anal fin. Most importantly, his genital tube is smaller in diameter than the female's, and has a pointed tip.

Female- Trailing filament on the top of the caudal fin, but shorter than the male's. Not as colorful. Black spot on each flank is just dark black, no other color. Anal fin is rounded towards the back. Pelvic fins are shorter than the male's, and don't quite reach the anal fin when pressed against the body. Genital tube is thicker than the male's, and appears to have a craterlike tip instead of a pointed one.

These characteristics probably aren't shared by all Bolivian rams, but I bet some of them are. I'd be nice if we can figure out which traits can be used to determine the gender of a ram cichlid.

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And when he gets to Heaven, to Saint Peter he will tell: "One more Marine reporting, Sir! I've served my time in Hell."