How to distinguish male and female angelfish

The name angelfish is really special. In fact, it is also called swallowfish, angelfish, etc. Its overall appearance is as upright as a triangular sail. This is because its dorsal fin and anal fin are not only long but also large. When viewed from the side, when it swims, it looks like a little swallow soaring in the sky. It also has two long tassel-like tentacles, which make its posture more graceful. Do you know which angelfish is male and which is female? Let’s talk about how to distinguish male and female angelfish.

Methods to distinguish male from female:

1. Body shape distinction: Generally speaking, in the same fish, male fish are larger in size, while female fish are smaller and rounder in size. Therefore, some friends who like to buy small fish often find that most of the fish are males after they grow up. This is because when choosing fish, most people will choose larger and stronger ones to buy, and therefore often unconsciously buy male fish. Success rate: 60%

2. Forehead identification method: The forehead of male fish is more protruding, while the forehead of female fish is more rounded. However, the forehead of some tall fish species is very flat, so this method is not suitable for distinguishing between males and females. Success rate: 30%

3. Color distinction method: This is more obvious in wild species. The color of male fish is darker, while the color of female fish is brighter. Success rate: 60%

4. Distinguishing by the tip of the dorsal fin: The tip of the male fish's dorsal fin is more pointed, while that of the female fish is more rounded; the tip of the male fish's dorsal fin is more dotted. Success rate: 50%

5. Pattern identification method: This is easier to see for fish of the Turquoise family. Usually, if the texture on the head of a turquoise angelfish extends all the way up to the top of the dorsal fin without any interruption in the middle, it is mostly a male fish. On the contrary, if there is a interruption in the middle, it is a female fish. Success rate: 80%

6. Black circle identification method: Only applicable to wild varieties, such as Alenka, Isa, Red Dot Green, Hegel, etc. If the black circles on the dorsal and anal fins of such fish are relatively thick and dark, they are female fish. The black circles on male fish are relatively thin and slightly lighter in color. Success rate: 90%

7. Water fin (i.e. pectoral fin) identification method: This method is more difficult to master. I learned it from an old man who had been selling fish for decades when I was a child. He said that the dipstick of female oviparous fish is oval, while that of male oviparous fish is slightly triangular. But after years of verification, I found it difficult to see the difference. Success rate: 20%

8. Genital identification method: Of course, this is the most accurate method, but the fish’s genitals will not be exposed before it reaches estrus. Some pure-colored species will not show their true colors until the very end. The genitals of the discus fish are located between the two pelvic fins (called two whiskers by people in the industry). The female fish's genitals are longer and tubular, while the male fish's genitals are very small, semicircular and pointed, like a sore between the two fins. Success rate: 99%