Mandarin goby male vs female

[AMP Tank]

I am trying to determine the gender of a very young/small mandarin goby. I know that the males have the spike in the fin and I’ve seen examples of larger mandarin gobies where it’s clear to me. However, the one I have is small so it’s hard to tell. The front of the dorsal fin is pointed and just slightly longer than the rest of the fin. For males, is the spike connected to the dorsal fin, or is it separate? Also, for young males should the spike be not that much longer than the rest of the fin until they grow/mature a little more? Finally are there any other ways to tell the gender? For example, my mandarin has 3 circles on its belly, is this the same for both males and females?
Thanks for any help. Unfortunately I can’t get any pictures right now

 

[Rtaylor]

Females don’t have a spike at all, so I would suspect if you are seeing something it might be male. Posting a pic would help. Here’s a pic from LA showing the difference.

 

[i cant think]

So, the best way to tell is the dorsal spike but as you’ve seen, it’s VERY hard to see the difference when they’re young. The photo above is an adult female and adult male. I would say you have a male due to the spike on the fin, but a photo of it would help some more. Even just a phone image would work (Keep the phone moving at the same speed the fish moves and you will get some nice photos).

 

[chipchipbro]

I also want to find out if my dragonet is a male or a female. I guess my specimen is a female but the fish does not show the fin at all…

any ideas?

 

[Enderg60]

If its got the long spine its a male. Spotted mandarin males have a much shorter spine.

But here is where it gets harder. Juvinal males and females look very similar. If the front of the fin is straight its a Juvi male, if it has a curve to it, thats a female.

 

[chipchipbro]

If its got the long spine its a male. Spotted mandarin males have a much shorter spine.

But here is where it gets harder. Juvinal males and females look very similar. If the front of the fin is straight its a Juvi male, if it has a curve to it, thats a female.

well, this guy never shows his fin.. h or she doesnt flash at all...
I mean the seller told me this fish swims in his tank for at least 1 year before he sold it so me..

 

[JeyesFluid]

I also want to find out if my dragonet is a male or a female. I guess my specimen is a female but the fish does not show the fin at all…

any ideas?

from your Pictures there is no clear spine, males also tend to be larger. Your best bet is to familiarise yourself with the dorsal fin spine from other pics of males like this one, you will have the best bet to see the fish live if there is any spine maybe when it eats or relaxes, maybe try a mirror on one side of the aquarium to see if it flares up or not and shows anything..

 

[chipchipbro]

from your Pictures there is no clear spine, males also tend to be larger. Your best bet is to familiarise yourself with the dorsal fin spine from other pics of males like this one, you will have the best bet to see the fish live if there is any spine maybe when it eats or relaxes, maybe try a mirror on one side of the aquarium to see if it flares up or not and shows anything..

Well, time has passed and the fish delevoped a huge spine and showed he was indeed a male.