Male or female mandarin

[Kirstin]

Hi, can anyone tell me if my mandarin is male or female? There is no real dorsal fin just the small spike pictured. I have had “him” about a year. Thanks

 

[VanDalsenReef]

I'd say female, but if you're trying to pair get a female and see how they act. Or get a male and him in a small critter keeper so tgey can see eachother first incase its a male but males usually have wider fins even if their longest spine is damaged

 

[Kirstin]

I'd say female, but if you're trying to pair get a female and see how they act. Or get a male and him in a small critter keeper so tgey can see eachother first incase its a male but males usually have wider fins even if their longest spine is damaged

Thank you

 

[Tamberav]

Probably can’t be 100 percent certain as it looks like the dorsal was damaged at some point. When mandarins fight they will latch on to each other’s fins and rip parts off in some cases.

Beahvior wise a male may try and show off and intimidate its reflection.

 

[Kirstin]

Probably can’t be 100 percent certain as it looks like the dorsal was damaged at some point. When mandarins fight they will latch on to each other’s fins and rip parts off in some cases.

Beahvior wise a male may try and show off and intimidate its reflection.

We got Spock at about 1” long and the fin has always looked that way. It rarely postures at its reflection. We had a scooter blenny that would regularly posture and strut. This mandarin does not show that behavior.

 

[Tamberav]

We got Spock at about 1” long and the fin has always looked that way. It rarely postures at its reflection. We had a scooter blenny that would regularly posture and strut. This mandarin does not show that behavior.

Probably female then based on behavior :)

 

[Manny D. Mandarin]

Probably female then based on behavior :)

I agree wtih Tamberav! Most male mandarins like myself would be strutting around ;)

 

[CMMorgan]

I agree wtih Tamberav! Most male mandarins like myself would be strutting around ;)

Welcome @Manny D. Mandarin! Nice to see @AlgaeBarn is letting you handle your own social media now. LOL #pods4life

 

[AlgaeBarn Verified Sponsor]

We have to keep an eye on him! Sometimes he gets a little too distracted eating pods lol

 

[CMMorgan]

We have to keep an eye on him! Sometimes he gets a little too distracted eating pods lol

Kids these days....

 

[dhnguyen]

Just like a betta, just put a mirror up to it, if it flares up and tries to attack the reflection it's a male.